Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Power In Simplicity


--by lminino, posted Oct 4, 2014
DAY 2

Interestingly enough, I experienced two realizations today during Day 2 of the Kindness Challenge. I would like to share them here.

#1
I noticed that when I began my day and remembered that I needed to complete my challenge, I thought: "I have to engage in a kindness act today."  Immediately I noticed how my body tightened up  when thinking about it, particularly the "have" part of it.

In my past, generosity and kindness were just a way of being, and not a requirement, so now that it's required for me to log in and then complete a Kindness act, I resented it. Then, I realized that I didn't "have" to do anything, all I "have" to do was just be me, then Kindness flowed.

#2
As I was trying to figure out and plan which act of kindness I was going to perform, I realized that I was looking for bigger actions.  Then I remembered the words of Mother Teresa: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."  It was then when I began acknowledging the little things as potentially big...the smiles, the hellos, the good mornings.  These little things can have such a ripple effect in peoples life that can essentially contribute to their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others around them.

Act of Kindness
At the gym this morning, I went into the locker room after I passed through a set of glass doors. In the corner of my eyes, I acknowledged somebody behind me going in the same direction. I turned around, headed back towards the door, and opened it for him. With a GREAT Big smile, he said: "Thank you!"

His whole demeanor changed after that...
My whole demeanor changed after that.

I am truly humbled and honored that for a brief moment I was part of that change.

Many Blessings to you All!

 
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Readers Comments

wavingatyou wrote: All the great little bits :)
2GetRWeKin wrote: Thank you for wisdom and inspiration. You make a difference.
ultrasteph wrote: Any small communication with another person, if it's kind, can really change their day and yours!
louiseok51 wrote: I loved your mother teresa quote, "we can do no great things, only small things with great love". A simple reminder that any act of kindness, no matter how small makes a difference.
sandyremillard wrote: I love your honesty! Sometimes it's like we have to recoil from all and reenergize! I think this is normal. And then little things are what make us. I too was thinking what to do, yet if i simply am kindness during the opportunities that arise, i'm meeting this goal! Totally agree with you. Thank you for your comment, lminino!
Jo Ann wrote: I have held the door open for men many times and they are very surprised to see a woman holding the door open for them. It always brings a smile to my face when i do this for them and it makes me feel good to put a smile on their face!
elza wrote: I can so relate to your storie! I only got going on day 5. The smaal acts also have the same ripple effect.
haslev007 wrote: I enjoyed reading your story!
mel37865 wrote: Have a blessed day!
sandyremillard wrote: Your kindness is flowing. Marvelous!

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