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Kindness rocks. In all its forms be it big or small, random or planned, from strangers or loved ones.
As I paddle through life right now it's more on the kayaking through choppy water side than canoeing on a placid lake. Interesting, challenging, character building, and at times a bit rough. But rather than vent about that, I want to take a moment to appreciate the kindness I've received and witnessed lately.
A few days ago I was working with people on something new before I had been through some preliminary training. Folks were understanding and generous with their patience as I worked through some jumping-from-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire issues. I especially appreciated having gracious patience modeled for me as slowing down is a lesson I can always better learn.
Today I went through the day-long training. I decided to leave home a little earlier than planned (skipping breakfast and coffee) just to make sure I allowed myself an abundance of time to arrive. I had a feeling I would need the extra cushion. And it was a good thing I listened to my intuition. When I got there I realized that the training was in a building that I didn't know where to enter and the building with which I was familiar was locked tight. As I drove around increasingly frantic about now being late to arrive I happened to drive past one of the trainers and he guided me in. We went through our lessons in pairs and I was paired with the last available partner which turned out to be a true blessing.
My partner was wonderful to work with and she helped make some less-than-exciting work more bearable. When it was time to take a break we swapped stories and I mentioned that I had forgotten my wallet in my morning rush and so was going to just step outside to clear my head and freshen up for the afternoon session. My partner repeatedly offered me a few dollars to get something to eat and I demurred. However, she would not take no for an answer and pulled me along with her until we found a spot to eat and she picked up my lunch. Then she insisted I did not have to pay her back.
I think her motives were not entirely altruistic. Since we broke from training in just our pairs, had I gone off to nosh on oxygen she would have been left alone to search for sustenance and a bit of chat and connection that was otherwise missing from our day. But I was so happy to give that and overwhelmed and grateful for her unwillingness to let me slink off to suck it up and pay for my morning mistakes.
Those are just two small examples of kindness bestowed upon me in just the past few days. I can easily think of many more. And I've seen others giving and receiving such kindness that I am awestruck which gets me back on track when I'm tempted to throw a pity party.
What kindness have you witnessed in your world lately? How do you practice spreading kindness in your life?
Related Reading:
Peter Mayhew (husband of Anissa who is recovering from a recent stroke) at Hope 4 Peyton: Support and baby steps
I keep her cell phone on me because it jiggles when she gets an email for some things I just can’t figure out. It jiggled all day. I like it because it’s a constant reminder that people are thinking of us. I’m going to keep it that way for a while.
I asked for someone to lean on….apparently we have the world. And somehow that includes her favorite teen crush of all time….the karate kid, Ralph Macchio. I’ve still got to figure that one out.
You ALL inspire me and hold me up at times. It kind of feels like that moment in Rocky….where he ran alone at first, then the entire city of kids ran behind him later.
Chris Rovzar at NY Magazine Daily Intel: Have You Ever Depended Upon the Kindness of Strangers?
Even if you've only been in New York City a short time, it's likely you've been surprised by one act of kindness by a stranger. For example, when Intel Chris was in crutches for a period of a few weeks, he was always surprised at the way people on the subway would help him out — from giving up their seats to actually holding open car doors as they attempted to
