Sowing Seeds of Joy on a Supermarket Adventure

--by scottolsenfam, posted Apr 11, 2009

Grocery shopping has never been my favorite activity, but yesterday's trip was different. I decided, before I even left the house, to make this a RAOK "event".

I was determined to sow seeds of kindness in as many areas as I could. Smiling and acknowledging the gentleman who brings the carts in from outside; assisting a mother and baby with her cart; quietly reminding myself, "slow down and take your time" (as I am a notorious rush shopper:-); and giving people the right of way in the aisles -- these small acts don't seem like much, but when your attitude is to make people happy - even on the smallest level - there are such benefits.

Letting shoppers with smaller baskets ahead; making sure to place the divider for the person behind me; and making pleasant, positive and encouraging conversation with the cashier all contribute to sowing seeds of joy. You can create a mini garden of joy and contentment that extends beyond yourself.

Attitudes are so contagious and what a gift to be able to spread a happy one!

4212 Reads

Posted by scottolsenfam
Apr 11, 2009
Comments (13)

Readers Comments

wayfarer wrote: Couldn't agree more, Scott! And here's to many more days just like that!

JuneBug wrote: I basically did the same thing yesterday at the store. I was less abusive to the fruits and vegetables when I squeezed them! Those bananas get messy! :)

scottolsenfam wrote: That made me laugh out loud, JuneBug! Be kind to the produce!!! :-)

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: I'd be too afraid to squeeze the melons for fear of getting smacked!
The fact that you decided to make it a RAOK event is awesome. If we just decide to do that, it will happen and make a difference for others. Thanks for caring!

scottolsenfam wrote: HA! I guess, 'be kind to the produce' excludes sqeezing the melons, MakeSomeoneSmile! Thanks for the encouragement!

JuneBug wrote: Don't pay any attention to MSS! ...He can be found in the paper isle squeezing toilet paper with Mr. Whipple! :)

AURELIA wrote: That's some good planting!!! Your efforts to be kind will defintely make a difference for all those who come in contact with you. Thank you for being the best you that you can be!!!! :0) ~Aurelia

Lana wrote: These are great ideas, scott! I remember to put the divider up for the person behind me in line, but i never thought about the person who brings the carts back to the store from the parking lot. (i have noticed the poor guy out the rain though but usually am "in a hurry" so don't give it a second thought. ) i'm going to leave an anonymous "thank you to the cart guy--you are appreciated" note taped to the handle of my cart on my next trip!

cabbage wrote: Yay for you! Deciding to have a good attitude is a conscious choice we can all make every day in every situation.

Thanks for the great example! :-)

grandmadee2003 wrote: Just doing small things can make a big difference to someone. You got it right. Yesterday, i was shopping and apparently the cashier was not having a good day based on her attitude with the customers (including myself), so i just treated her nicely and had a good attitude myself. I hope it made a difference to her. We just never know what is going on in someone else's life, so always be kind.

Stories of Kindness from Around the World