A Random Act of Kindness

People do a lot of nice things for me.

This floors me. I continue to think I don't deserve it. I'm going to blog about this at the ELEW on Monday, so I won't get into gratitude today--instead, I just wanted to post a brief reminder.

It wasn't a small act of kindness I received last night--it was a substantial one. One that came out of a blue, was astounding generous, and is giving Sophie the opportunity to help with her hind leg weakness and joint issues. She is oblivious to how lucky she is (though when she gets to go for a car ride and meet Fun New People, her gratitude will be apparent). I, however, am not--I'm well aware of how a kind gesture can make even a hardcore cynic speechless and humbled.

This is why I think you should do a random act of kindness for someone today.

I mean, YOU COULD MAKE A CYNIC CRY. It doesn't get much more evil than that.

Could be someone you know. Want a reason and suggestion? Two friends of mine not much older than me lost their mums recently. So do what I did the other day: randomly bring your mum a cupcake at work. Or make her dinner. Or just give her a hug unexpectedly.

I can pretty much guarantee that everyone around you is having a pretty rough time with something in some aspect of your life. That sweet person who always seems friendly could be having family problems, or trouble paying her mortgage, or is suffering from depression. That person who snaps at you or loses his temper might've just received bad news, or lost someone, or have some horrible health problem. Yes, shit happens, and we all need to pick ourselves up and not be a dick to everyone, but it's easy to be caught in a bad day or lose it on the straw that breaks the camel's back, etc.

I'm a big believer in not spending all of one's energy on helping people who overly tax you (I'm learning this, I am). I'd never suggest that. But the truth is, it never hurts to give someone the benefit of the doubt and show a bit of kindness. Your kindness could mean they're a little more kind to those around them that day too.

How about a stranger? Get started over at Kiva.org--micro loans here and there make huge differences to people in need.

Please, if you can, aspire to do something kind this week.