Small moments of kindness peek through our everyday lives, from your neighbors’ “Good morning!” to a surprise “I’ll take care of that for you” at the office. This week, we want you to explore what that kindness means to you, and share it with others.
By Kill ‘Em With Kindness
When I was eighteen, I had my first internship in New York City. Centered on my need to get wherever I was going in the same hurried frenzy as everyone around me, I was often overwhelmed by the city.
The moment I would step off the bus and walk toward the subway, I had my game face on: I was on my way to the A train and not a single person could stop me. Suddenly, my pace was double-time, caught up in the speed of the others making their way to work, coffee in hand.
One day, out of the blue, a couple walked up to me and handed me their MetroCard, the card used to pay for the NYC subway system. For a moment, I was confused as to what they wanted.
“Do you need help, directions?” I asked. Again, they motioned for me to take their MetroCard.
“We’re leaving and we’re not going to be able to use what’s left on this,” they said, “so you have it.”
It was such a simple gesture, and such a kind one. It was a relief to not have to pay for my ride that day, and such a break from the usual go go go routine. Clearly, I never forgot it.
Paying It Forward
Right in the middle of New York City, a free library for everyone to enjoy. Sweet!
For this week’s writing challenge, ponder the significance of kindness in your life. That may mean:
- Telling us about the last time or the most memorable time you received a random act of kindness from a stranger.
- Sharing the details of your last act of kindness, or when you wish you had been kinder when you weren’t.
- Explaining what kindness means in a time when it’s so easy to leave anonymous, uncensored comments on blog posts, videos, pictures, and more.
- Offering tales about times when you’ve needed to be kinder to yourself, and how you did that.
We’re looking forward to seeing what you have to share. While you’re at it, take the time to practice kindness and leave a comment on one of your favorite posts that you see here in response to this prompt, and I’ll join you in that effort.
for me being kind to others brings immeasurable joy I think I am more blessed by doing it than the person receiving it
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I love this idea. I’m going to have a good think about this and post something on it later. Whenever we leave a car park I always give my all day ticket to the person just coming in so I get that whole subway card thing, it makes you feel good and costs nothing ^_^
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A little bit more kindness will make the world a whole lot better. This is interesting. 🙂
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What a fantastic post and prompt. I absolutely love spontaneous acts of kindness…giving even more than receiving!
In fact, there’s a bit of serendipity in this. I wrote a fictional piece that started out as sad and ended happy…all due to love, patience and kindness. What a great way to start a Monday!!
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Nice challenge! that was a really beautiful experience, by the way, that happened in NYC. It’s not often you hear about such things 🙂
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There are moments when I wish I had been kinder to people when it mattered. Working on a response now.
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One very vinegar soured response to a community event I organised this weekend inspired me to reflect on the store of honey generated by the efforts of many kind people. Writing this has helped me overcome the bitter taste I initially felt, and reinforce to me that life is sweet if you choose to see it that way. https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_writing_challenge/honey-versus-vinegar/
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One very vinegar soured response to a community event I organised this weekend inspired me to reflect on the store of honey generated by the efforts of many kind people. Writing this has helped me overcome the bitter taste I initially felt, and reinforce to me that life is sweet if you choose to see it that way. Whoops, wrong link before, sorry http://joearlam.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/the-ups-and-downs-of-running-a-run/
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Being kind should be a way of living.Then those little things you notice will be less precious to you.The social system was designed to separate and divide people in a cynical way.We forgot about each other’s basic needs such as kindness.
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I probably don’t even have to post the link. You all know what I wrote.
But here’s the link anyway:
http://bumblepuppies.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/kindness-insults-my-intelligence/
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I love this idea and have started an experiment to complain to supermarkets in a funny/hopefully endearing way to see what happens compared to an angry complaint…http://wp.me/p4yGPk-3e will keep you updated but so far the results are amazing – blog to follow!
Soph x
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I’d like to repost a blog written some time ago where I spotlight what others are doing to promote acts of kindness.http://alphabetstory.wordpress.com/category/motivational/
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Use this instead of the above.http://alphabetstory.wordpress.com/2012/10/28/echoes-of-kindness/
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I wrote a story about kindness a few weeks ago that I don’t think I can top with a newly written story. So, I’m simply sharing a link to that post.
http://maryjmelange.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/fountain-of-gladness/
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Lovely! Made me think hard 🙂
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Hi, first time here. If we write a blog, are we supposed to link it up on your website somewhere? Love your site. Laurie
Warm wishes, Laurie http://hibernationnow.wordpress.com
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Amazing how a bad attitude effects the whole bunch
Sent from my iPod
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Kindness feeds the spirit of both the recipient and the give.
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You mean PEEK through, don’t you?
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Hope you enjoy it~
http://sspsbsss.wordpress.com/2014/07/11/slapped-in-the-face-by-grace/
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That happened to me once to on my way home from work, I was quite bewildered as I’m not used to receiving acts of kindness. I also wrote about it on my blog because I was so thankful to receive their kindness! Here it is: http://papayapieces.com/2013/07/19/iberic-secret-black-pepper-sauce-kindness/
🙂
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That’s so cool! sometimes is the little things we do that makes a big difference to others!xxx
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What a coincidence! I experienced kindness of similar kind at the same place. I wrote about it here a few days ago: http://punuu.wordpress.com/2014/07/11/new-york-new-york/
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NYC is a less harsh place than people think. Like the OP, I too lived there when I was 18 and one of the cutest/kindest things that routinely happened to me was being impulsively hugged on the street by motherly women!
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Being kind to others makes me really happy… But I think … I did not learn how to be kind with myself… But the idea was really brilliant 🙂
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Great challenge. I will be considering it for my next immediate post. Thank you also for the reminder of this simple daily action that can turn many lives around in the blink of an eye.
Cheers!
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My thoughts on random acts of kindness always reminds me of a certain group of people. Most would call them “Stoners”. If you’ve ever known one, as a partner in their love circle with Mary Jane, you will know, the only social desire for a stoner is to get to a place, and then take everyone else to that place. If sharing is caring, then the most caring group of people are those dag ‘gon hooligans smoking that crazy marijuana. The only place where you don’t need to ask for what it is you desire, it will be offered from every able participant. It is pure kindness.
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Such an inspiring story. I was brought up hearing the adage kindness is a virtue without ever thinking about its meaning but living it everyday. I tried to share a story but I am not sure if it worked. Today is my first day as a blogger 😀
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I absolutely love random acts of kindness. When you make it an everyday practice it allows you to see just how in sync with life we truly are. We don’t have to intentionally be kind we just have to be vibrationally in sync with happiness and happy people. If we are happy ourselves then we attract those just like us. Random acts aren’t so random, they are our vibrational proof. Kudos if you are the one with the golden nugget for the day.
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I have also experienced a similar act of kindness as someone from my school gave me her parking ticket. Costs her nothing but saved me $14 dollars. Still remember how she looks. Small acts of kindness definitely makes a big impact.
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What a coincidence — I came across a Little Free Library for the first time the other day as well. This act of kindness, sharing and community spirit definitely put a smile on my face. Made my day. Here it is: https://closetolocal.wordpress.com/2014/07/15/coming-near-you/
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I wrote about the challenges and the necessity of practicing self-kindness. I hope you find this post even the least bit inspiring. 🙂
http://artfullyaspiring.wordpress.com/2014/07/14/easier-said-than-done/
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