Stories of Kindness from Around the World

All of us have co-workers who have trouble being kind. They can be hard to deal with and can make work a nightmare. But do we know why they are like this? Do we know the story behind their actions?

I have a coworker who has done all she can to make life hard for those around her. We had a particulary hard week at work this week and she was taking it out on the rest of us. At the beginning I was mad and hurt and was letting her bring me down. Then I stopped and thought to myself. Do I know why she is acting this way? Do I know what goes on behind closed doors or why she does the things she does?

I remember my mother telling me that the best way to feel better when you have been hurt is to be kind towards others - especially the one hurting you. When she went on a lunch break, I went to the shops and bought her a box of chocolates and put an anonymous encouraging note on top along with a smile card.

When she came back from lunch, I watched her open her gift and read the card. She looked around and re-read it again. She then quietly tucked it away in her drawer. She was very quiet for the rest of the day and I often saw her look into her drawer as if to find proof that someone cares.

At the end of the day, I went and said goodbye to her and had noticed that the smile card had been put up on her noticeboard. I smiled, wished her a wonderful night, and walked away. I don't think she is ready to pass it on yet but I am looking forward to the day when I can't see it anymore and she has passed it on.