March 2025

Randon Acts of Kindness

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Did you ever have a day that
nothing seems to be going your way?
​Then out of the blue,
someone does some small
random act of kindness for you.  

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What a nice scenario that is. ​

But, do we really recognize this kind gesture? Speaking for myself, I'm guilty of being so engrossed in my challenges during the day that I don't even see that someone is being kind to me. This, I can assure you, doesn't happen often. But, when it does, I reflect on how I can try to recognize these random acts of kindness in the future.

Sometimes it's not that easy to condition oneself to be open to the kindness of others. After all, we're all so busy doing so many things. Personally, I feel that I'm busier than I've ever been. So, sometimes, during those times that I'm rushing around, I'm unable to see or feel the kindness of others. In retrospect, maybe if I just slow down a bit I just might be able to see and hear that someone is being kind to me. I think that recognizing the kindness begins by slowing down.  

Then there are the times when we share a random act of kindness with someone only to be ignored completely. That infuriates me. For instance, last week while grocery shopping I was trying to navigate through a very congested isle. I saw a lady coming almost head on with my cart. I pulled my cart off to the side and waited for her to pass me. As she passed she didn't look at me, didn't say "thanks," didn't even acknowledge my kind gesture.  She just passed and went on her way. My first reaction was that she was rude. However,  after some thought, I assumed that maybe she had many things on her mind, maybe she was in a rush, maybe, maybe, maybe. Excuses for someone's rude behavior is how I justified my giving her a pass. However, the other part of me wonders how we've become so used to this type of behavior that it's becoming the norm. 

Instances such as the one I've described above makes me even more tuned into becoming more kind. When someone holds the door open for me, I make sure I say a quick thank you.  When someone lets me into a traffic lane on the highway, I wave so that the driver behind me can see that I appreciate the gesture. To me, all of these little things, albeit small, add up and make us better people.  

I'm not saying that I'm perfect in any way shape or form. But, all I'm saying is that I'm trying. Kindness is free of charge. It doesn't cost a penny, yet it's as precious as gold! When we receive or give acts of kindness both parties benefit in so many positive ways.

Being mindful of the many ways we can share our kindness with others helps with stress and our well-being. It improves our mental health and creates a sense of accomplishment and success.  

So, this month, I'm challenging myself to see if I can give acts of kindness everyday. At the end of each day, I'm going to review any acts of kindness I've given or received and thus count them as blessings! How about you? Are you going to try to be kind this month too? 

Happy Tales to you!
xoxo Yvonne