Unexpected Kindness

Even though the weekend isn't over, I experienced acts of kindness that was not expected. And, it made my faith in people stronger. I have to admit, sometimes people can disappoint... some just don't do what you think is the right thing or how many times have you seen others not treat other people kindly. I also believe people aren't as giving to one another as they can be at times .

It started yesterday...I know many who read this blog knew I had been very sick from Feb to May. I am now fully recovered from that ordeal, but a new problem arose a couple months ago. I have always had problems with my back and now it seems I have a bone spur in the canal at the base of my spine. It must be removed to stop any nerve damage and of course eliminate the pain I am in. My surgery is scheduled for Oct 15th.

Yesterday I had to go to the hospital for my pre-admission testing. One test listed turned out not to be covered under my insurance, but for whatever reason, my doctor ordered it. The nurse explained the cost and that I would have to pay prior to getting the test. Since it was unexpected to me, I told her to leave that test out and I would discuss it with my doctor. She agreed and I proceeded to get all the tests done, but then I realized the test not covered was completed. I looked at her and she knew what I was about to ask and just smiled...she said not to worry, it was done in such a way that I wouldn't be charged. um, are you sure? She said I'm sure. Wow...I actually got something I wasn't expecting for no cost. She was kind and understanding of my situation. I left the hospital with a smile...

My day continued...I had a lot of errands to run and one thing on my 'to do list' was to get my brake light fixed on my car. I had intended to take it to one place, drove past it without thinking and just decided I'd take the car to my local gas station repair shop. I explained what I needed and the man said he'd fix the light right then. Ok...so I stood there as he fixed my light. I asked what the charge would be and he said with a smile...no charge. What? Again, someone did something at no cost?! What's going on I thought...since when do you get something for free? I realize that man was a smart business man for now I will bring my car back to his station for my oil changes etc, but he really didn't have to give me a free repair. I left the gas station with a smile.

Last night I went to meet some friends. Well, one friend I've known for about 45 yrs and the others were people I had recently met. As we mingled and enjoyed listening to the band, I guess word got out about my upcoming surgery. I had people sincerely offer their help if I needed any. I heard offers that one would go to the food store, one offered their time as in keeping me company and one person even took my cell phone number,so they could check up on me and make sure I wouldn't need anything. I was blown away by the kindness these new friends expressed. It was very heart warming. I was told that no one should be or feel alone, so they are there if I ever need them. That was such a nice thing to hear.The kisses and hugs and well wishes were so uplifting. I must have been glowing...

Yesterday was a good day indeed...I gained much...encouragement, confidence, faith, felt kindness and love and the inspiration to continue to pay it forward...

Witnessing An Act of Kindness

Yesterday my Mom and I took a break from some morning errands and stopped at our neighborhood diner for a cup of coffee/tea.

I'm a people watcher, so as people were coming in, I always notice. This diner is a favorite among senior citizens, so as lunch time was approaching, the diner started to fill up.

I noticed 3 men, probably in their 30's, being seated by the window. They were obviously taking a break for lunch from their landscaping job.

A short time passed and I was noticing out the window a car that had pulled up to the front door. The driver was dropping off an old women. She was trying to get out of the car and walk to the front door.

One of the men that were seated by the window, got up and walked outside to help this women. I sat there and at first, couldn't believe it. How extremely nice of him!
He helped her out of the car, opened the door and walked her inside. They exchanged words and he just sat back down.

That act of kindness brought a smile to my face. It made ME feel good to know there are people out there that take a minute of their time to do something completely unexpected and kind for someone else. I wonder how he felt after helping that women?

After seeing this, I am sure that man has a big heart and most often shows kindness.

I had wanted to tell him that I witnessed his act of kindness and how nice of him it was, but the 3 men left before I had the chance.

Bring a smile to someones face and do an act of kindness for someone. You can make a difference...

You can never do kindness too soon, because you never know how soon it will be too late. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

LIVE.LEARN.LOVE

A young 22 year old man named Chance Craven has spent the last three years being there for others while being a member of myspace. Whether their time in need was due to a break up, having family issues or just encountering struggles in their life, he has provided support, an ear and reassurance of friendship.

Why you ask? He has a lot of love to give. His heart is wide open and wants to help others. His lesson learned was that he truly loves helping other people and wants to dedicate his life to spreading the love.

He has started a non profit organization called...itsChance focusing on the definition of 'chance' and everyone having one. A community devoted to helping feed the homeless, working with the elderly and children.

Below are words of wisdom I received in an email from Chance.

LIVE.LEARN.LOVE

1) Simply LIVE your live. Don't hesitate to do something today. Don't wait to tell someone you love them or wait to resolve conflict tomorrow. Live to the fullest and strive to be your best today!

2) Whether it's a good or bad day...LEARN from it. Realize that everyone makes mistakes and the only way to overcome the past, is focus on the future. Learning what works and what doesn't. Everything happens for a reason...make the best of it!

3) Choose to LOVE. The world is already full of so much hatred...choose to Love someone and show them you care. Show someone what true love is through your everyday actions. After all...actions speak louder than words.

Take a chance, choose to make a difference! Drop by his site and if you are in his area, why not donate some time to help others?

KUDOS CHANCE! and I wish you the very best. Many Blessings~

Do You Think...What's In It For Me?

Today was a good day. One of those days where things just came together.

I wrote a post months ago, titled Pay it Forward. I asked if anyone can or does a good deed without getting anything in return. Doing something because you really wanted to. So many people look out only for themselves. They aren't interested in doing a favor or helping someone without thinking, "what's in it for me".

Today I had a meeting and had to park in a lot which charged by the hour. Not knowing how long I would be, I paid at the automatic machine for 4 hours.
You enter the parking space number, slide your debit or credit card through the slot and grab your receipt.

Well, my meeting went smoothly. In fact, it lasted for only half hour. Walking back into the lot, I noticed a woman at the parking machine just about ready to pay. I told her she can have my spot, since I paid for another 3 1/2 hours.

The look on her face was priceless! She said, are you kidding me? No, I said, you can have the spot. She thanked me and we went on our way.

Getting in my car, I realized I did something for someone without thinking about it. Just offered kindness without thinking about getting something in return. Let me tell you it's a great feeling. I couldn't help but smile...

I guess you can say I did get something from this act of kindness. The feeling of happiness... doing something for someone I didn't even know just because I want to. It did make me feel good...can that count as getting something in return?

Pay It Forward

Have you ever watched the TV Show "FRIENDS"?
I used to watch faithfully... I'll admit some friends and I still use several quotes or references from episodes to compare with what's going on in our own lives.

Haven't you?

I remember one show that had Joey challenging Phoebe to do a complete selfless act of kindness without getting something in return. Think about that...

Doing something for someone and not expecting or getting anything in return? Simply showing kindness because you really wanted to.

This is a simple but powerful way to use your life and connect with others—start a "Kindness Chain." Performing acts of kindness is one of the best and quickest ways to improve your life. All you have to do to start your own Kindness Chain is do something nice for someone else…that's it! Encourage them to "pass it on" so the chain isn't broken.

Pay it forward