Off and on there will be a great deal of talk about random acts of kindness. I think that too much attention is given to grandiose actions. What really matters, in my opinion, are the many small kind actions that we can perform on a daily basis.
Why does a self-serving billionaire have to give a young boy a check for $25,000.00 on a national television show to get our attention? Shouldn't we all pay more attention to the little things we can do each day to make our lives and the lives of others better?
In the hurry up world of today, common courtesy is not really so common any more. Standing in line at the grocery store, all too often I see people purposely ignoring the little old lady or the young woman with children in tow who just have a couple items. How much could it hurt to let them go ahead of you? Will the extra couple of minutes spent in line completely ruin your day?
I realize that much of the indifference is due to there being too many people and too many stimuli in our daily lives. The prospect of sensory overload is a real issue. But a little more connectedness with the world and all who inhabit it can go a long way toward healing the spirit. It can improve your life and how you feel about yourself. Dont be ashamed to pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for giving up your place in line.
Try holding a door for someone. Look a stranger in the eyes and smile. Give someone a cheerful hello and a wave as you pass on the sidewalk. Believe it or not, these are all acts of kindness. The Golden Rule has been much talked about for a very long time. To me it is still valid: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Some day when you are feeling really down and a stranger looks you in the eyes and smiles, and suddenly you feel a little better, you will be glad that you, too, have shown others this kindness.
Dianne Lehmann is a jewelry designer who has been in business since January of 2000. Her interest in designing and manufacturing jewelry goes back beyond that to 1994. It took her many years of trying various creative outlets to finally figure out that making jewelry is where she could really shine. Dianne began with simply stringing beads onto cable and has progressed from there. She is now an accomplished lapidary (cuts and polishes stones) and silversmith. Dianne and her husband, Bernd, live in northern Arizona and both love to hike. Dianne can not help but pick up rocks (they are her first love) and some of these find their way into her jewelry. Dianne makes one-of-a-kind pieces that she hopes give people as much joy to view as she gets from the making of them.If you like, you may view her work at http://www.syzygyjewelry.com
» left by April Lorier(0) April Lorier (1 year 93 days ago.)
Bravo, Dianne! You're right: people don't seem to look at other people very much, do they? I love shaking up the place, striking up a lively conversation, smiling at every one I pass and saying, "Make it a good one!" It's sort of discombobulating for people.
But my favorite thing is when some bored checker asks in her monotone voice, "Welcome to (fill in the blank) How are you?" It cracks me up to act like I'm going to touch her arm and then say (melodramatically, of course), "Honey, I've been WAITING for someone to ask! LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY DAY!!!!" Oh, the look of sheer panic! Then I start laughing, everyone else laughs, and FINALLY the bored checker laughs! Just makes my day. Ha! Respond to this comment
» left by Dave Tanguay (1 year 77 days ago.)
You know Dianne, when I was a teenager, an friend of mind who was quite older and wiser than me told me everything a person does he or she does for themselves. I found it hard to see the truth in his statement back then. But sometime ago I was standing in line at the grocery store when an elderly lady in front of me was cashing up at the counter as she was leaving she dropped two $20.00 dollar bills on the floor then proceeded to leave. Without hesitation I picked up the two bills and ran to catch her before she left the store. I taped on her shoulder and said mam you dropped this money when you left. She said OH THANK YOU VERY MUCH. This was at the beginning of a month so it was most likely her social security money she dropped just after cashing her check. Of course this money was vital to this lady and I know it pleased her a great deal to get it back. However if I would have picked those bills and shoved them in my pocket my conscience would have bothered me a great deal. So my friend was right what I did I actually did for myself it left me with a clear conscience and a good feeling knowing I done the right thing. "good article"
» left by Dianne Lehmann(3,487) Dianne Lehmann (1 year 77 days ago.)
You are right. And the world could use more people like you. Even if we do what we do out of selfish motives, if good comes of it, then I say "let's all be selfish". While it is important to take care of ourselves, it's still nice to give a little thought to others now and then. Thank you for your comments. Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann(3,487) Dianne Lehmann (1 year 76 days ago.)
Thank you. And my motives *are* selfish. I would really enjoy a kinder world. I work toward that every day. Respond to this comment
» left by JenniferLeh(0) JenniferLeh (1 year 76 days ago.)
Dianne, loved your article. It's only too true. I am sometimes amazed at how desensitised people are to one another. What does it hurt to let the little old lady with arthritis go infront of you in the check out line? What does it hurt to smile at people that look like they need an extra smile. I personally like giving smiles just to give them. Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann(3,487) Dianne Lehmann (1 year 76 days ago.)
Keep up the good work! I only wish this article could reach those less likely to be kind. The transformation that comes over a person's face when you meet their eyes and give them a smile is truly amazing. It always makes me feel good. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,395) Judi Lake (1 year 75 days ago.)
A good reminder, Diane and well put! Kindness should not be all about "image" kindness should be quiet and genuine. Good job! Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 30 days ago.)
This is so true, Dianne. We all should do much more for each other. A smile may save a life. Marty RicKard Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann(3,487) Dianne Lehmann (1 year 30 days ago.)
Thank you, Marty. I never really thought about it quite that way, but you are right, a smile might just save a life. Thanks also for joining my fan club. Respond to this comment
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