In a world that seems upside down with people doing more screaming at each other, instead of listening, it might be time to step back and try something new and different.
Kindness.
I remember being a little girl when my grandfather took me aside one day and told me very somberly:
“The most important lesson in life is to always remember to be kind.”
His words echo strongly in my mind today.
As the season of gratitude approaches it is time to ask ourselves, “What are we grateful for?”
I find myself so grateful for all the people in our lives who keep the world spinning. The grocery store clerks, restaurant workers, sanitation engineers (garbage men), post office workers, auto mechanics, transportation workers and so many others who go to work every day in thankless, but important jobs.
It’s also the season to be grateful for our families. Sometimes it is easy to lose touch when extended family is miles away. Consider reaching out with a special letter, or a small gift, to let people know you still care.
Think about spreading some kindness as this holiday season approaches.
It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture, sometimes the smallest effort is the one that makes the greatest impact on another person’s day.
How to Spread Kindness
Here are a few simple things you can do to gift kindness to others and let them know you care.
The most obvious gestures are ones many people perform every day, often without even realizing how those actions like holding doors, offering genuine compliments and saying “thank you” are very much appreciated by others.
I have a friend who carries little pouches of chocolate kisses in her purse. When she goes to the grocery store, pharmacy or to pay for her gas in person, she gifts a little pouch of candy to the clerk or attendant.
While chocolate has the potential to be a bit messy in the normally hot Santa Clarita Valley, a little bag of mixed flavor jellybeans could lift anyone’s spirits.
I’ve seen the simple kindness of paying for someone’s coffee or lunch in line behind you denigrated as being “too little” or “unnecessary,” insisting only actions like paying for a needy family’s rent or groceries should be considered. I disagree. There is no kindness of any kind that should be discouraged. Paying for the lunch or coffee of the person behind you in line is a wonderful way to break through the cold isolation in our society and let others know you care.
Other actions of kindness:
Leaving a $5 coffee gift card in the mailbox for no reason for your mail carrier.
Gifting a bottle of water or a $5 coffee gift card to your Amazon or UPS delivery person. Leaving a small bowl by your front door with an assortment of small gifts with a sign asking the delivery person to take their pick is also a thoughtful exercise in kindness.
Leave a card or note on a coworker’s desk wishing them “a great day.” Same for any parking lot, leave a note on a stranger’s car with a positive message. A simple “I hope you have a wonderful day” lets others know they are not alone.
How to Help Others
It can be awkward to approach people and offer help. But, there are some easy ways to spread kindness.
Ask people if you can help them load their car after shopping and then offer to return the cart to the front of the store.
If you are just arriving at a store and see someone taking their cart back, or just leaving it beside their car, offer to grab the cart and return it.
Nonprofits are always in need of volunteers. Find a local nonprofit and ask how you can help. You don’t have to make it a focus of your life, just an hour here, or there, can help.
Ask your child’s or grandchild’s teacher what they need in the classroom to help all students. In addition, ask if the teacher knows of families that are struggling and need financial assistance. Offer to give what you can.
Do you have an elderly neighbor or know a single-parent household? Ask if there is something you can do to assist them; can you make a stop at the grocery store for them? Mail a parcel? Or consider buying a fast-food gift card that will give them, or the family, a surprise treat.
How to Receive Kindness
For many, receiving kindness is so unusual it is hard to know how to react. Before pushing others away, consider how much joy many people receive from their acts of kindness.
There is much truth in the saying “It is better to give than receive.”
Offer a smile and a heartfelt “thank you.” Accept the act of kindness with appreciation. If it is something you don’t need or want, quietly pass it on to others.
