It was relatively simple. I would drive the getaway car as my husband darted into the restaurant. His mission – to ask an employee to identify a family to have their meal paid for that evening. The manager was confused at first, taken aback, but was happy to get in on the action. Then, he left as quickly as he entered. “That felt so good, I want to do that again!” he said as we sped away.
Mission accomplished. Act of kindness number one was complete. And all for less than $15.
We were on a date night if you can believe it. But we had an important goal that day – to bring some light and joy to our community that had been a little inundated with not-so-good stuff lately. After the restaurant visit, our next stop was to pick up some items for the local YWCA. This date night was turning out to be one of the best yet.
I don’t tell this story to toot our horn or seek accolades. In fact, I feel a little uncomfortable even talking about it. But I want all of you to know that being kind is so easy. Acts of kindness send unseen ripples through the world you may never fully realize. And ripples through your heart that last a lifetime.
Here are some ideas if you are looking to kick-start your kindness chronicles:
Write a note: Try this. Once a week (or month, or whatever you can do) write a small note to somebody on your mind and mail it. Tell them what they mean to you and why they are so very important. Don’t wait to explain to somebody why they are fabulous, tell them now!
Leave a note: Do you know you can buy little inspirational cards to sneak into magazines in a waiting room, on your bill at a restaurant, or in your friend’s purse? Yeah! How cool would it feel to be minding your own business and stumble upon a pick-me-up? If you don’t want to drop the money on fancy cards, make your own! There are tons of ideas online you can utilize.
See somebody: I mean, actually, see somebody. Let’s look up from our phones when we are in line at the store. Let’s engage with the person scanning the groceries. Let’s stop and listen when somebody speaks to us and looks like she could use an ear. Let’s be kind.
Buy a meal: If the financial capability is there, consider buying somebody’s meal. Either at a restaurant, by sending a gift card, or cooking your favorite dish. You can even purchase a gift card and ask a manager to use it at their discretion.
Acts of service: Pull your neighbor’s weeds, drive a friend to the doctor, clean your partner’s messy sock drawer. Just do something. And don’t expect a single thing in return. Just do it out of the kindness of your beautiful heart.
These are just a few ways to shine your bright light upon the world. So how will you get started? The world needs you.
