Random Acts of Kindness

I know some people use compliments as a social currency.

And some people use kindness as a social currency also. But when I think of some of the small gestures that have made me happy, these folks have nothing to gain from them. And the 'acts' stick with me…

People Who Have Very Randomly Made Me Happy:

The guy last night in the Burger King: I ordered a hamburger and diet coke. I noticed the guy was from another country (no idea which one), and had a skin tone disorder also. I was hoping he was doing ok in life. And when he gave me my bag, he smiled and said something in a thick accent and pointed to my bag. I had to ask him to repeat, and he said with a smile “I gave you a medium fries” (free). Awwww…..I thanked him back with an even bigger smile. And wasn't HE the one would coulda used the proverbial 'extra fries'??? I'm awed.

The guy in the LAX Airport : after our long weekend at the R&R Talk Radio seminar earlier this month, I had to take the red-eye to get back to D.C. to swap kid watching with my husband who was going on another trip. I was at the gate, my head was in my hands and I was dirty, tired and half asleep. And some dude walked up in the crowded waiting area and said with a BIG grin “Your Hair Kicks Ass” (my hair is half pink-and not all my friends think I'm still sane). Wow, thanks! I said. Off he went just as quick as he came up. And I still haven’t stopped thinking about how nice that was of him. He didn't care what all the other people sitting right there thought of what he said, or how strange and out of the blue it seemed. I woulda been too intimated to go up to someone like that.

The lady clerk in a mini-mart in Williamsburg VA: several years ago I went to one of the 5 year Alumni Homecoming weekends. It was rough, I was in severe debt and trying not to spend any money. All my friends who are smart enough not to start their own businesses and have two kids at the same time had money to spend on dinners etc. And I was tired, emotional, and sick to top it off. The clerk at the mini-mart joked with me about my cupcake breakfast and was just truly warm. She made my day, my week, my month. And I still think about that morning.

Man on Manhattan Bus: A couple years ago I was getting on the bus from LaGuardia to downtown NYC and realized I didn't have cash for the fare. As I was frantically digging through my wallet (with everyone waiting) a man in a seat behind me held out $20 to the fare-taker dude. Now Lara says he just wanted to get going, but I like to think he was just being kind. I actually found $20 in a few bills and a LOT of quarters, how embarrassing. But I was again awed by that act...in NYC nonetheless!

Cute Marine guy: over a decade ago, I was in a terrible breakup from an engagement to a man who I thought was the love of my life. I had also just broken off a very short rebound relationship with someone else, and had a very tumultuous night with that situation. I was driving home hungover, and my soul in threads. I had to stop at the mall to pick up something, and when I came out my tire was flat - from an intentional slit from the current relationship's distraught man. I think I was just standing there staring at it looking pretty stricken -- when a Marine walked up out of nowhere (but I do live in D.C. and there are lots) and started to fix it for me...while I stood there pretty speechless and unhelpful. I barely got the words "thank you" out....I was far too preoccupied with myself. I don't know his name, but I probably owe that handsome young man my sanity. And I wish I could have thanked him properly.

Lady at the trade show: One of my first "appearances" as a Redskin Cheerleader was for a very small trade show in Tysons VA. I was VERY self conscious to go to an event in a Cheerleader uniform, while everyone else would be in suits...which was what I wore to work every day. I thought everyone would laugh at me as a bimbo. One of the first people to talk to me was a very kind lady who just walked right up to me and began to tell me how much she loved watching us perform and how much we added to the game and how nice we looked etc etc. Suddenly, I felt confident, useful and proud of my dancing accomplishments. I thought all women hated cheerleaders -but this one proved that wrong. And I now make it a point to talk to the models, cheerleaders etc at any event, especially if they look a little uncomfortable being showcased.

Sam Sam the Fed Ex Man: He works in Middleburg Virginia where our studio “The Cheetah Lounge” is located. He is ALWAYS smiling. And he ALWAYS has a bright smile for me. He honks and waves at me every time I see him when I’m out and about. He ALWAYS makes my day.

Thank You. Each and every one of the above. And all the others that I keep thinking of, but must stop the novel here....

I often forget that each little interaction with people every day can affect many people in ways I might never imagine. And I have to remind myself to be that one spreading a little 'fairy dust' of random kindness whenever I can....

Have you ever been 'struck' by a Random Act of Kindness??

Cheers! Heidi

Comments

I work in a neighborhood market, literally a place where "everybody knows your name". One of our customers is a young man who dresses in typical "gangsta" fashion. The clothes and jewelry give anyone who doesn't know him the impression that he's a punk. In truth, he's the married father of a small child who runs out late at night for milk on a regular basis. One evening, a young woman bought gas and a few things for her dinner, only to find her debit card refused. After checking the ATM, she realized she only had enough money for the gas. As she apologized to the clerk repeatedly, this tough-looking young man stepped forward and bought her dinner, reassuring her that it was fine. She shouldn't have to go without anything to eat. I'll never look at the young guy I'd nicknamed "New York" (for his fondness for Yankee's hats) the same way again.

man Cindy -that story's AMAZING. love it.

Oh my! WOW. I needed to read this today. Absolutely heart-warming and thanks for sharing it with the rest of us. I need to do this as well.

I have been struck with so many random of acts of kindness I wouldn't know where to start!

remember the movie [ pay it forward ] every1 should watch it .

EVERY1 one should see a very good movie called [ PAY IT FORWARD ] .