Little Things DO mean a lot!

There are lots of little things we can do for others that we may not believe matter in the scheme of things. But the person receiving that act of kindness may find it so improves their day, their spirits, their persective on the world.

Last week, when I cam out of art class with my wheeled cart of art supplies, I had stopped and opened the hatch back. A young man was passing by and asked if he could help. I was thrilled to have him pick the cart up and place it in my car. Many days that is the hardest part of class for me because my old and arthritic back screams when I lift anything over 2 pounds! It felt really good to have someone volunteer without being asked.

I mentioned it in a group I was in and another person related her experience receiving an act of kindness. She said she had been working at something all day and was really tired. She went to a Waffle House and asked the waitress what she could get for $6 and still include a tip. So she took the waitress' advice and ordered waffles. And she struck up a conversation with the young man next to her at the counter. When she was ready to leave she looked for her bill. She asked the waitress where her bill was. She was told that the man that had been behind her, with whom she hadn't even spoken, paid it! She was shocked and very grateful. She really was short of money and it helped a lot. She felt lighter and more hopeful.

Then another person in the group said something similar had happed to her at McDonalds. She was standing in line at the counter when the person in front of her said, "I have this coupon to buy one sandwich and get the second one free. But I can't eat two of them. Can I give one to you?" She said "sure" and thanked her. She then only needed to buy a drink. When she was done eating and was ready to leave, she went over to the table where her benefactor was sitting with friends to thank her again. She struck up a conversation with them and discovered that one of them was from her home town and knew a couple of people she knew there. She had a great conversation with them and felt so much better when she left than when she we in to eat lunch alone.

There are so many small acts of kindness you can perform than may have the potential of turning someone's day from grey to sunny, from weighted down to feeling lighter, from pesimistic to optimistic.

Plant them like grass seed. Spred them around and hope that they grow in a way that makes the world a better place for you, for the recipient, for the moment at least.