Tuesday, May 18, 2010

try a little kindness

I like to do something kind every day. Whether it's a small act like waving a car into the space in front of you, popping a few coins in a soon-to-be-expired metre, chatting and smiling with older people in the supermarket, or calling, emailing or texting a friend in need. I think kind deeds do a body good. My soul would break if I dodged in front of someone to get a carpark. I'll happily stand holding a door while a person walks slowly toward me, I can't imagine letting it swing in their face. But, apart from this blog post, I don't like to talk about my kind deeds. However, this is for Kakka a gorgeous soul who promotes kindness and optimism at her glass half full blog.

See, I used to think big. I'd hear about someone's misfortune and I'd say, "Oh, I'll have to bake them some scones and take to them to cheer them up," then, that'd be it. Grand intentions: zero action. That was a long time ago and now I ensure that no matter how small the deed - I'll act on it as soon as I think about it. This morning a friend's facebook status update said "rain, two sick children and no teabags" so I made up an emergency stock of tea bags: English Breakfast, White Tea and a special French Violette tea bag. I popped them in a zip lock bag and propped them in her screen door after the school drop off and felt much better for knowing that she didn't have to suffer through miserable weather, sick children and no caffeine.

But, apart from today, I don't like talking about good deeds. Did you ever see the episode of Friends where Phoebe swore that she did good just for the kindness and Joey told her she always got something in return - even if it was just that wonderful, warm feeling? Well I'm happy with that warm feeling. Doing something good spreads good feelings - and the good deeds spread too. So really, doing good is selfish - it makes my world a better place to live in!

9 comments:

  1. I so agree with you. In the past year I have started giving money to people on the street...because it makes me feel less guilty and more able to live with myself. Small things can always make a difference.

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  2. Absolutely - it's such a small act for us, and can mean a huge amount to someone else!

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  3. i love little bits of kindness here & there & that warm fuzzy feeling you get from just doing a simple act makes it all worth while.
    love that you are selfish..and so am I, I love baking for people especially to get that smile on their faces which then in turn makes me smile.

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  4. Oh absolutely Cathie - it's why I love having people for dinner - cooking for people is the ultimate!

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  5. Great post! A way I try to live too.

    I've also started to make sure I do one kind thing for myself - a quiet cup of tea, an extra minute in the shower, whatever. I found I wasn't being particularly kind and easy on myself and this has made life just that bit nicer.

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  6. Oh Corinne that a totally good point! I've just painted my nails a very pretty lavender colour - that's my me-time for today!

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  7. Beautiful PPMJ - I just knew you had that kind of soul from other bits and pieces you write. Thank you so much for writing this post, I will link it on my blog. How I wish I had a friend close by just like you. xxx

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  8. Thank you Kakka, you're just beautiful xxx

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  9. What a thoughtful thing to do. I'm sure what mattered most was not the deed, but that you actually took the time and trouble to do it. I'm sure that warmed your friend's heart.

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