The last four or five days, I’ve been in this odd position: A lot of people have asked for or needed my assistance. I’m not talking about small acts of kindness. I mean, people at our house for dinner, friends who need writing advice, long conversations about people’s woes, and so on.
Of course, I’m delighted to help. And in most cases, people left happier than when they arrived. All in all, it’s really good stuff.
It almost feels as if I made the acts of kindness call and people who needed help arrived. Has this happened to you?
8 responses so far ↓
1 Harlekwin // Jan 23, 2008 at 5:40 pm
All the time, Claudia, all the time!
You’ve noted that I don’t say much about the kindnesses I extend. Frankly, being kind is so much a part of my character it’s like breathing… automatic.
Working with the general public like I do, there have been people who’ve become attracted to me because I’m kind and I listen. Somedays it feels like a gift, other days, well it can be exhausting. I’ve learned as I’ve listened that it all comes down to one simple principle, people need people.
There are lessons in the time you’ve spent with others this past week. As there are no coincidences, each one of those people have come to you bearing a message for your life…have you found them?
2 Jill // Jan 23, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I went through a time when it seemed everyone needed me for some thing or another. It feels good to be needed but it can be overwhelming too.
This is fun C. I’m enjoying being a part of this!
3 Robin // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I am enjoying reading all of the posts. I have been stuck at home with sick kids and so I am tired and needing a little kindness. Reading these have uplifted me.
I would like to join in on this. I tried to email Claudia at everydaykindness@gmail.com and it got sent back to me. Any other suggestions on how I can get in on all this kidness?
4 Admin // Jan 23, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Harlekwin - I hadn’t thought about that. Hmmm…. I’ll have to give it some thought.
Jill - I think what’s odd for me is the volume - how loudly people are asking. I too have a lot of people who want something.
Robin - I’ll send you and email.
5 heart in san francisco // Jan 27, 2008 at 12:21 am
In the last few days, I helped a friend with her resume and wrote letters of recommendation for her to be signed by other people, spent many hours encouraging another friend who is at a turning point in life, helped an old woman on the street carry her grocery bags home and cleaned up a spill I didn’t cause at the launderette with a lot of dryer sheets because there wasn’t anything else available.
It’s hard to think of these things as acts of kindness, though. They are just part of life.
6 Puanani // Jan 27, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Yes. More people needing kindness and more kindness to give.
Opportunities keep opening up, and my heart opens with them.
7 A-Licious // Feb 1, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I try to make it a natural daily thing to do nice things/gestures everyday - if it be just opening the door for someone, saying HI to someone who never smiles….etc…. :o)
I don’t (if ever) tell what I do….I think the best part of doing NICE is keeping it to yourself….the person or persons you do nice for know….and God knows…. ;o)
YAY!
8 Admin // Feb 1, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Heart in SF - I think that’s some of the point - to make kindness a part of your life. To focus on kindness…. I think we focus way too much on the negative - what we do and others. Making kindness a part of your life - that’s the point.
Puanini - Amazing isn’t it!
A-Licious - Would you like to join our blogroll? You can do that without every expressing what you do. To me? The only benefit in expressing what we do is to help other people see ways they can make an impact.
Leave a Comment