Stories by areinoehl (2 matches)

The Imperfect Act of Kindness

I am in the midst of prolonged frustrations at work. Today was more of the same. I walked to the car remembering my act of kindness and feeling a little pressed for time and creativity. As I drove to the grocery store to pick up milk, I ran some scenarios through my head not landing on one I was satisfied with. I walked in, there was a table of vibrant yellow mums. I chose one and put it in my cart still not knowing what I was going to do with it. I find myself trying to figure out the perfect scenario for these acts of kindness knowing that it defeats the purpose, but I can't help myself. I left the store and while I was backing out of my parking space, I saw an older woman walking to her minivan. She was by herself and did not have much in her cart. I ... Read Full Story >>

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Coffee Kindness

I hit the ground running on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I did not get the Day 2 email until after my act of kindness. I had a full schedule today, so I decided to do something quick and convenient. I printed out some Smile Cards and headed out.

As I walked to the Starbucks on campus, I worked out the details of buying someone their drink. Should I buy a gift card and give it to the barista to dole out? Or buy myself something and pay for the person behind me? Or buy the gift card and walk around campus looking for someone I would not normally interact with? I was feeling oddly nervous.

In the end, I got in line, bought a gift card and turned around and handed it with a smile card to the boy behind me. I said, "Here you go!" And he said, "Thank you." I scampered out the door with a "You're welcome!" That was it.

But, what a feeling! I loved the joy I felt for doing something so small. I wasn't too concern about what the recipient thought. I felt phenomenal for taking a chance and performing a kind gesture. I love this!

2153 Reads



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