Just one of those (rare) days

[Not-Bogart13]

We've all had days that just start bad and get worse, but sometimes a day really surprises you in a big way... or many small ways. I'm talking about random acts of kindness and how they tend to set off a series of good things.

I had just such a day yesterday. It started rather blah, and was heading down the road to being a decidedly unlikable day. Then, something happened. A total stranger offered to help me put something large and heavy into my car. It made me feel good, and the man left with a bounce in his step. From that moment on, about every half hour, either I was the recipient of an act of kindness, or was presented with the opportunity to perform one of my own. This went on until, three hours later, I returned home. It wasn't a fantastic day, and no significant event or personal benefit really came out of it - but in all the little ways, it turned out splendid.

So remember; at worst, a simple act of kindness or courtesy will make at least one person feel good. At best, who knows how many bad days it could turn around.

Happy Spring!
NB

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I've had cruddy days turn completely around just because a nice lady bothered to smile.

 

[SaraBell]

I went to beauty school and was expecting a loong, difficult day. Turns out that our teacher had to help other people so we got to get facials and pedicures all day!

 

[Twitch]

I think the reward of interacting with people in a kindly way is representative of the Golden Age in general. Today everyone has to be on guard against personal crime and scams in general and therefore tend to be more reserved in the lowering of the personal force field as they go through their day.

 

[MrNewportCustom]

Many years ago, while in college, I was in the middle of a photo shoot with a model. The night before, though, my father had a mild stroke. I needed someone to talk to, so I called a ladyfriend. Naturally I was feeling down. In the middle of the shoot, The dear ladyfriend entered the studio. She walked up to me, held out her hand and said, "You left this in my car."

She dropped a foil wrapped chocolate heart into my hand, hugged me and left.

My father passed away many years later, and this ladyfriend is now dating my brother. It's good to know that a heart like hers may soon be a part of my family.


Lee

 

[Nashoba]

My day started out that way today. I almost wrecked my car twice this morning once at the airport dropping off my best friend who's been visiting (fishtailed it on a curve) and a second time rounding a hairpin not to far from my house (fishtailed it again). I suppose it's what I get for trying to get to my students on time (I was 20 minutes late this morning for the religion class I teach at 600am to high school students) but I came about 2 inches from smacking into the guard rail. But with that mess the things that I was really stressed over today seemed to be working themselves out and my darling husband even called home this morning. And when I returned home this morning and saw my newly built fence I was reminded of the amazing things that can come about from acts of service. That fence was built in a total of about 10 hours over 3 days by some of the gentlemen from my church. With my husband gone they saw there was a need and the youth joined them and banded together and built me a beautiful cedar fence to contain my rugrat of a dog. It was built with love and out of love and so now whenever I'm feeling down I'm going to look at that fence to remind me that there are people in this world who love me and that we can all make a difference in people's lives. Even with something as simple as a fence

 

[Helen Troy]

I once read about something called "The random act of kindness movement" or something like that. The whole point of the thing was that the members once in a while should do random acts of kindness to strangers, like giving up their place in the line or helping to carry heavy things or something, for no reason of all than to spread kindness. I really like the idea!

I myself remember days that turned from bad to good, just because somebody held the door for me, smiled to me or something. I try to remember that myself, also knowing that helping people also makes my day better!

 

[SpitfireXIV]

I once read about something called "The random act of kindness movement" or something like that. The whole point of the thing was that the members once in a while should do random acts of kindness to strangers, like giving up their place in the line or helping to carry heavy things or something, for no reason of all than to spread kindness. I really like the idea!

even better: random acts of vintage kindness? make the world all warm and fuzzy and more stylish at the same time!

 

[Parallel Guy]

My wife and I have made it a habit of complimenting those people in jobs that usually get nothing but complaints. We've asked for people's bosses to tell telephone help desk workers how well they did. I can tell you that I've gotten more smiles by complimenting an especially competent waitress than any amount of tip I've ever left (but, yes, I like to over tip good service as well). I've always maintained that we spend too much time critizing and too little complimenting.

 

[Tango Yankee]

The phrase is...

I once read about something called "The random act of kindness movement" or something like that. The whole point of the thing was that the members once in a while should do random acts of kindness to strangers, like giving up their place in the line or helping to carry heavy things or something, for no reason of all than to spread kindness. I really like the idea!

I myself remember days that turned from bad to good, just because somebody held the door for me, smiled to me or something. I try to remember that myself, also knowing that helping people also makes my day better!

"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless beauty." It was coined by Anne Herbert. She also coined another phrase I like, "Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries."
Cheers,
TOm

 

[Dr Doran]

I think the reward of interacting with people in a kindly way is representative of the Golden Age in general. Today everyone has to be on guard against personal crime and scams in general and therefore tend to be more reserved in the lowering of the personal force field as they go through their day.

Good point.