The Imperfect Act of Kindness

--by areinoehl, posted Aug 28, 2014

I am in the midst of prolonged frustrations at work. Today was more of the same. I walked to the car remembering my act of kindness and feeling a little pressed for time and creativity.

As I drove to the grocery store to pick up milk, I ran some scenarios through my head not landing on one I was satisfied with.

I walked in, there was a table of vibrant yellow mums. I chose one and put it in my cart still not knowing what I was going to do with it. I find myself trying to figure out the perfect scenario for these acts of kindness knowing that it defeats the purpose, but I can't help myself.

I left the store and while I was backing out of my parking space, I saw an older woman walking to her minivan. She was by herself and did not have much in her cart.

I wondered about her... if she had a partner, if she had family she spent time with, what her life is like. I pulled into a space near her, grabbed the mum and walked over to her.

I said "Would you like a mum?" She squinted at me puzzled and unsure, "What? A mum?" I said, "Yes, a mum."

Her face melted into a smile and she said in a much more sure way, "Why, yes, I would love a mum. Thank you. You put a smile on my face."

Two things: I am pretty sure I needed this exchange more than she did and acts of kindness don't need to be perfect. They just need to happen.

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Posted by areinoehl
Aug 28, 2014
Comments (14)

Readers Comments

luannptm wrote: Awesome!

debbe530 wrote: Good for you!

Mish wrote: You were the reason someone smiled today.... lovely. :)))

lizroverbailey wrote: Thanks for the reminder that they don't need to be perfect! I needed that.

tsukid wrote: Brilliant!!!

sandyremillard wrote: Love your anecdote! Lovely feelings behind the giving. Blessings, sandy

Thyla wrote: Awesome! I am inspired to pass it forward. Giving to others, actually is giving
Happiness to

Thyla wrote: Awesome! I am inspired to pass it forward!
Giving to others is actually an act of" giving happiness"8 to
Yourself.

cyctw wrote: I love this <3. Most often, it's the act of kindness that i wasn't looking to do that means the most to me :)

Doris wrote: This morning i was having a pity party. My husband has been essentially an invalid for two years and this makes me think what a way to bring joy in my life by focusing on an act of kindness routinely. Thank you

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