Not-So-Random Acts of Kindness
July 27, 2012 by Lillie
We often hear about rude people, unhelpful staff members in business, and negative individuals. But I’ve been noticing recently that more often than not people are polite, staff members in businesses I frequent are helpful, and individuals I encounter are positive.
Many people practice random acts of kindness, but Jack and I are often the recipients of acts of kindness that are not random at all. The people who perform these kind acts do them regularly, not randomly. I want to express my appreciation for all the acts of kindness that people do for us.
Here are some recent examples (in no particular order):
- Vicki, the cashier at WalMart, loaded my groceries in a shopping cart rather than in the basket of the scooter I was using, took the groceries to the car, and transferred them from the cart to my car.
- Every time she sees that I have a deposit slip made out, our home helper Betsy volunteers to go to my bank on her way home to make a deposit to save me a trip.
- Peter, a friend who is a plumber came over to help us get a bi-fold door back on track … and brought dinner as well.
- Elizabeth, the secretary at our church, calls us weekly to check up on us.
- Our priest, Father Chip, brings Communion to our home since we aren’t able to attend church regularly.
- A nurse at our doctor’s office, Victoria, brings a chair into her cubby so I can sit while she’s taking Jack’s vital signs.
- Both our physician’s assistant, Carly, and the home health nurse, Eddie, write out prescriptions for us to keep at home to help Jack remember their instructions.
- When my computer was infected with a virus over the weekend, Rainer, our computer tech, came to my office on Saturday afternoon to pick up the computer and take it to his shop to start running scans so I could have it back Monday morning so I could meet a deadline.
- Jan, my associate, checked my email daily while I was recovering from surgery.
- Several people, including my client Shawne, our friend Peter, and fellow parishioners Tracy and Christie, brought meals to us following my surgery.
- My sister Nancy went with me to surgery and stayed with us several nights during my recovery to help, in addition to bringing food and helping us whenever she visits.
- Jack’s brother David stayed with Jack while I was in surgery and helps us whenever we need assistance.
These are just a few examples off the top of my head–I know I have not remembered everything.
My vow is to do more acts of kindness for others and especially to notice and appreciate the acts of kindness others do for us.
Have you experienced or performed random or not-so-random acts of kindness lately?
In the wake of what happened in Aurora, it is wonderful to hear of all these acts of kindness for no reason other than that of caring.
It’s amazing how one small kind gesture can change your entire day in an instant.
Thank you for sharing this list and I hope each person on you have mentioned has the opportunity to see how they have impacted your life.
Victoria,
It’s so easy to dwell on the bad things that happen and ignore the good things. Sometimes we need to change our perspective and look for the good instead of the bad.
Thank you for sharing. This is so uplifting. So often we overlook at the daily acts of kindness we receive. Perhaps we take them for granted. Great reflection about being more attentive to those beautiful souls around us, going above and beyond. And a call for us to be more compassionate to others.
Doris
Doris,
I think we do tend to take kindness for granted. That means it happens a lot more than we recognize. The bad things capture our attention not only because they are bad, but also because they happen less often. And, of course, we tend to notice big things–like mass killings–more than small things–like someone changing seats so a group of friends can sit together.
Thank you for the heads up in bring true awareness into the lives of so many needing hope today.
T.Nathan,
When we’re going through difficult times, as so many are today, it’s so easy to overlook the good things and focus on the bad. Sometimes we need to sit back and realize how much we have to appreciate.
Lillie, this post sends a powerful message! Bless you! <3
Thanks and blessings to you, too, Deb!
Many people tend to be kind only to those who are kind to them. What one must learn is to practice kindness with all without expecting it back. Practicing Gratitude can do wonders in ones life and bring happiness in the society. Not only does gratitude help you to show your appreciation towards ones kindness but also it motivates you and the other person to continue the act of being kind. Thus gratitude personifies the saying “if you give more you get even more”.
David,
So true, David. That old saying that honey attracts more flies than vinegar is very true. When we are kind to others, they are more likely to be kind in return. And if they aren’t, the problem is theirs, and we should still be kind. Obviously, they are in need of some kindness!
Lillie,
I have notice in the past year that the service people I deal with are very kind and gracious in dealing with me. I have practiced telling people I appreciate their service for many years. I have found that people appreciate being thanked for doing a good job.
Larry
Larry,
You’re so right. As most of our mothers used to tell us when we were kids, “Honey attracts more flies than vinegar.”
A little bit of kindness is exactly what the world needs right now. The rat race, the rush to head to some unknown destination in life, has made us forget the little but important things. It is amazing how one small act of kindness on a day when you have a black cloud hovering over you, can immediately uplift your spirits. And later on, when you’re sad again and have nothing to make you feel better, thinking about how there is always someone out there willing to help you out in their own small way, will get you past the dark times. When someone is kind to you, it sparks of a chain of kindness. If one person has been kind to you today, it makes you capable of being kind to ten other people. And this is just beautiful. It teaches us to appreciate the little things in life. Moreover, it teaches us to appreciate so many people who are in our lives, but we never usually take the time to notice. Kindness coupled with gratefulness, can make life so beautiful.
You’re so right, Thomas. Kindness is contagious!
I salute you, Lillie, for remembering and taking the time to write about the kindness that people have done to you. Keep inspiring us with your good real life stories.
Jane,
We often focus on the negative. When we focus on the positive, we can find an amazing number of positive things.
You are so lucky to be surrounded by such considerate people. Your post has inspired me to start doing at least one random act of kindness each day.
Leo,
I’d love to hear a progress report from you after you’ve been doing daily acts of kindness for a while. I’m glad you’re inspired to do that.
As you do acts of kindness for others and that is why people acts in the same way to you.
Very true, Nawaz. Although I think it’s just common courtesy, my husband and I always smile and speak to the stockers and floor cleaners at Walmart when we go shopping t night. In turn, they go out of their way to help us and even volunteer to help when we don’t need help.
Lillie, its really an appreciable attitude. Both the people you have listed here and you showing your gratefulness to these people are people making this world a sweeter place to live. Love isn’t something to wait for, you need to find it in your daily life with people around you.
Thank you, Jeremy.
With your blog, Lillie, you always show kindness. And yes, sometimes, we tend to take kindness for granted, but this post is a reminder to do otherwise.
Thank you, Jane.
It is just so heart warming to know that such people also live in this world, that there are people who still do things for others without expecting anything in return. Just reading this post made me smile. I wish them all the happiness in the world because they really deserve it and wish they would continue doing the good work.
Kenny,
I’m so glad my post made your smile. As you say, we need to spread as much happiness as we can.
Lillie,
You are the recipient of kindness because you are the giver of kindness. You so often give of yourself and expect nothing in return, and that selflessness is appreciated by many, even if you don’t hear about it. There are many who care and don’t broadcast. Thanks for the positive note!
Jan
You’re very sweet, Jan. Thank you for your generous words.
It is so strange that we always remember the person who hurt us and hold a grudge against him till the day we die but such act of kindness we forget within minutes. It is sad but true that people rarely remembers such deeds of kindness which is why your post is a refreshing change. Instead of reminding people the negative present in the world you are reminding them the positive present.
Thomas,
Maybe the reason we remember the negative and forget the positive is that there really is more positive and we take it for granted.