I’ve noticed lately it’s been easier than usual for me to be negative. The economy has had a huge impact on me and mine this past year and I’ve felt the weight of my world on my shoulders numerous times. While I know that I’m not the only one that’s being effected and that it could always be worse there are times that I can get pretty sour.
The other day a completely random person caught me at a sour moment and gave me the reality check I needed. I was standing in line at the grocery store with my 2 items behind a lady with a cart full of groceries. She took one look at me and said, “here sweetie you can go in front of me.” I was staring blankly at the floor and replied, “no that’s OK. You go ahead; I can wait.” (For the record this was not one of my finer moments). She looked at me for a little longer than I was comfortable with and then she said, “You know, I find it sad sometimes that we get so used to the rude behaviors of society that when someone is truly kind we don’t know how to react.” I looked at her perplexed and smiled. She said, “You seem shocked that I would offer my place in line when it makes the most logical sense that you go in front of me.” We continued to talk all the way out to the parking lot. I was surprised by her honesty and at first was a little speechless. I realized that she was absolutely right. Of course it would make sense that I should go first but no one ever really thinks of that because we have such a “me, me, me” attitude.
I realized that kindness most often is the most logical way of doing something. Why keep that car sitting there backing up traffic in the parking lot when you can let him go and take turns? Why keep the line long while one person goes through when someone can go through faster and be done while they get there stuff loaded on the belt? Also, why do we think that it’s acceptable as a society to practice random acts of kindness? As if our good deed of the day is sufficient. Why aren’t we just kind as a practice? Rudeness and indifference to one another is expected and accepted in most circumstances.
So my dear friends, I am challenging myself and you all to practice kindness to one another. Let that poor car that’s been trying to get out of the parking lot go. Let the person behind you with fewer items go in front of you. Take the extra second to thank the customer service representative for helping you. Maybe most importantly take the time to see others doing it. It’s contagious.
Suscribe To This Blog
