I often take the bus for my daily commutes, and one of the drivers on the route to my house isn't known to be very nice. In fact, not many people like him at all. It doesn't take much for him to turn up his nose, or to ignore members of the community who are stranded when he drives by.
That didn't bother me, though. I decided that, no matter what his mood is on a given day, I would continue to greet and smile at him. Unconditionally.
Now, after awhile of doing this, I've noticed that his overall demeanor towards me has changed. He not only smiles at me, but he cracks jokes, too! One time, I fell asleep on his bus, and when I woke, I said, jokingly, "Why didn't you wake me? You know where I live!"
We both laughed hard, and since then it has been an on-going joke between us. At random times when I'm tired from work, I remind him not to take me too far, just in case I fall asleep again (which has happened!).
On other days, he pretends to step on the gas or rev the bus when he's close to my stop to make me think he's forgotten me.
He laughs, and I'm just happy that kindness has softened him up. I think he enjoys the air of lightness that comes with kind words, jokes, and intentions. And I feel fortunate to be one of the people who see the soft side of him. :)
That didn't bother me, though. I decided that, no matter what his mood is on a given day, I would continue to greet and smile at him. Unconditionally.
Now, after awhile of doing this, I've noticed that his overall demeanor towards me has changed. He not only smiles at me, but he cracks jokes, too! One time, I fell asleep on his bus, and when I woke, I said, jokingly, "Why didn't you wake me? You know where I live!"
We both laughed hard, and since then it has been an on-going joke between us. At random times when I'm tired from work, I remind him not to take me too far, just in case I fall asleep again (which has happened!).
On other days, he pretends to step on the gas or rev the bus when he's close to my stop to make me think he's forgotten me.
He laughs, and I'm just happy that kindness has softened him up. I think he enjoys the air of lightness that comes with kind words, jokes, and intentions. And I feel fortunate to be one of the people who see the soft side of him. :)
4775 Reads
- Posted by princessliz
- Sep 18, 2013
- Comments (9)
Readers Comments
brad wrote: Oh that is so cool! You are a seasoned kindness artist. Scheming to capture the heart of a "scrooge. " :)
brad wrote: Oh that is so cool! You are a seasoned kindness artist. Scheming to capture the heart of a "scrooge. " :)
margaretz63 wrote: I love this! A smile can be very powerful!
xenahugs wrote: Thank you for your kindness. I find that giving unconditionally, especially on a regular basis when it is not (even initially ;) reciprocated can be quite challenging. So, thank you for your persistence and congratulations to the joy you both share!
deactivated wrote: oh!princy sooo nicy of u.my kindness is always towards u my friend,so,from now on i would like to be like u,therefore even i'am going to sleep in the bus.lol.ok,from now on i'll try to treat all the people whom i come across with kindness.why is it always sooo nicy of u princy.power of kindness in action,hmmm.
Love2Day wrote: Being kind to someone can have amazing effects! :D
I've seen times where if someone is upset, rather than someone being upset back at them, if the person was kind to them, the person upset couldn't help but turn their attitude around! :D
I've seen times where if someone is upset, rather than someone being upset back at them, if the person was kind to them, the person upset couldn't help but turn their attitude around! :D
FairyBubbles wrote: That is such a lovely story of how kindness works. I am so happy for your driver to have felt the kindness you gave.
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Good for you for taking the time to see him in a different light. It makes all the difference! :)
jsmc10 wrote: this must've been pretty hard to maintain a nice demenour for this man but boy did it work! Thank you for sharing :)
