Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Like Sandpaper


--by GypsyNurse, posted Feb 9, 2014
At my workplace there is not much opportunity to be different. We administer care to others and, in the process, sometimes we forget to care for ourselves and each other. 

So, I print inspirational messages, happy pictures, quotes, etc, and post them on a blank space I've found in one of our utility rooms. I also print stories from this site, and some others I subscribe to, and leave them in the staff room. I believe it adds to our "emotional education." 

One person asked me, "Why do you do this? Why do you try to help these people, they are not very nice?" 

My response was, "If it affects one person then it's a good thing." 

Often that one person is me, because I know I have done a kind thing, a good thing. It doesn't matter if it doesn't affect anyone else. What matters is that I'm the best person I can be. 

The thing is, I know those stories and articles are read cause they keep getting moved about. So, eventually, like sandpaper against a rough surface, the surface will become smooth and the messages will get through. How long it takes really doesn't matter.
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Readers Comments

Josephine Joseph wrote: As my status on face book i always write inspirational messages, quotes and my experiences which will be of some value to some one. I have always stressed on kindness, doing good to others and recognising the people around us for what they are and not for what we want them to be.
2bkind wrote: Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing kind words and inspiration! I am trying to do this more often and will start to second guess myself: what if some one sees me or what if nobody "gets it"? Your story makes me realize to keep on doing it and yes it does make me feel like i am living the best life i can!
Jeanne wrote: I always used the word thanks at the end of every e-mail that i sent. It really lets the person you are sending it to- that you appreciate their efforts in doing what you have requested, so thanks.
dianetait wrote: I do the same thing at my office space. I have a support person who is a soul sister and we share with each other. I still get centered when i see one she gave me one day when i was at a low point. " i will not give away this day that i have been blessed with". Each day is a gift, blessing.
Thaatu wrote: For the past decade i practiced sending messages, videos, jokes, and stories of interest using internet and sms which have helped many and changed their way of thinking. A great idea to follow and help bring happiness to others.
debbe530 wrote: As a retired nurse, i so agree with you about caring for the caregiver. It is hard work these days. Bless you for seeing past the negativity in the workplace and doing something to help make it better.
Dobby wrote: I agree with you. If many of your co-workers are on the negative side, what you're doing can only make things better simply because you're putting that positive energy out there. Caregiving is a stressful job and often a thankless one. Something I think people don't realize so that's going to have an effect on people's attitude. Being that bright spot is what everyone needs!
jomartin87112 wrote: I agree with Dobby and you - even one person affected for the better is a huge step forward!

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