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Any other year, my acts of kindness would have come with the hope of someone acknowledging them or saying thank you.I'm big on "Thank you's". My kids have written their own since the age of three for any gift they receive. I love thanking others-- acknowledging coaches, teachers, and anyone who does something nice.
I guess it's because I always had looked for that thank you in return.
This year has been different.
Maybe age has made me wiser. Maybe it's softened me. Part of it is this website. Since joining this site in January, I've done acts of kindness in a more mysterious, secretive way, without expecting a "Thank you" of any kind and finding comfort and peace in that. :)
When I did my 46 not-so-random acts of kindness for my birthday this month, I did so with the intent of not receiving any comments, "Thank you", or feedback. The next day I was quite content just knowing that I'd touched more than 40 people, even though I didn't see much of it happen, nor would I know how those people felt or reacted.
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Then it happened - people started reaching out and thanking me.
- The friend I had sent a card to thank her for watching my daughter the year I returned to work, emailed to say what a pleasure it was to have girl time with my daughter (she's a mom of 3 boys!).
The mom of my childhood best friend emailed to say that she was brought to tears by my card, which had thanked her for being a support when I was younger. She told me it made her happy to know her daughter and I were still friends.
My distant cousin emailed this week to thank me for her card. She is due with her second child in just a few weeks and on a roller coaster of emotions. She was thankful of the reminder to enjoy her time home with her soon-to-be two kids.
The mom of our neighbor with colitis pain emailed me to say thank you for thinking about her son.
One of my daughters’ coaches thanked me for the gift card and note and said his family already used the gift card to enjoy some ice cream. He seemed very touched by the act itself.
Received an email thank you from a colleague for the e-card I had sent to congratulate her on her National Board Certification. I think she enjoyed reliving her accomplishment since it happened a month ago. ;)
Yes – it's better to give than receive, but in this case, it was nice to receive the feedback. Maybe these same people will one day pay-it-forward and tell someone else how s/he touched their lives.
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- Posted by kidzfirst
- Aug 2, 2013
- Comments (21)
Readers Comments
Peacehunter wrote: I got warm fuzzies :) thank you kidz..and i agree i love technology for those reasons ..have a great week !! hugs
jsmc10 wrote: Wow, how fantastic! It was great of them to acknowledge your kindness even though you weren't looking for it this time :) I too hope they get inspired by your actions and pay it forward :)
princessliz wrote: This is great to hear :)
I recall the feeling from my story "Follow Up On Returning Kindness" where I just didn't expect anything in return.
I recall the feeling from my story "Follow Up On Returning Kindness" where I just didn't expect anything in return.
FairyBubbles wrote: Oh, that is so lovely Kidzfirst. So many wonderful things. Love you.
Mish wrote: Thank you for being wonderful,you!!!!!!!!!
denisemj wrote: It's such a Delight to know that people appreciated what you did! Glad you made a difference in there lives. Smiles :):)
bluxess wrote: Kidzie, hearty congratulations in sharing you so daringly ... You have spiritually advanced to a point where giving is motivated from within ... Oftentimes we underestimate others giving and return them but as we become open channels with receiving, we help others to give ... Lets become freeways for others unconditionally ... Although it looks like materials we are giving, it is the attitude to give from within which need be recognized in all ... Your progress is very inspiring my friend :-)))
Wolfskin2000 wrote: Thank you for sharing this - and even more so, thank you for spreading so much kindness!
unicorn.7 wrote: Thank-you for sharing and mostly thank-you for being you
Mish wrote: This story was highlighted in today's kinness daily. Did you see? ((((hugs))))
