Kindness and Compliments...

[Autumn]

I'd like to start this thread as a daily log of reaching out to others with a simple gesture, smile or kind word, to make the world around us a happier place.

I'd like anyone who wants to contribute to write down one thing each day that you did to make someone smile or laugh or feel better. It could be a phone call to a long-lost friend, or to your pain-in-the-neck but lonely aunt, a basket of tomatoes given to a housebound neighbor, an extra long smile to someone at the train station, a comic that you cut out for a co-worker, an extra-squeeze of a child's hand at his first day at school.

I put this in "personal growth" because I truly believe by sharing kindness and laughter, one grows in all sorts of unexpected ways, and continues to pass that along to others. Let's give it a try, what do you think?

I'll start off:
Today I wrote an email to an old high school teacher (who is still teaching at my high school-he's close to 80), thanking him for his guidance and direction 20 years ago when I was in his class and homeroom. I also reminded him of a stunt I pulled way back then which had both him and the class cracking up. I'm excited to see if he replies and/or remembers me!

[rawpriestess]

What a beautiful idea.

Today, I emailed a friend who had lost his kitty a few years, ago, he finally decided to get another one, she was at the vets to get fixed, caught distemper, and never got to come home, he was heartbroken, he finally decided to get another kitty, she came home, and he emailed me pics today, she is lovely.

And I emailed him promptly back each time he emailed me, even though I was really busy, because he is a dear friend, and really needs his little kitty friend, he is self employed person, so is home on his computer most of the day. NOW, with brand new purring kitty in lap, or across his keyboard.

[levamssg]

Yesterday as I drove up to Lowes, I saw one of the folks who work there walking in. He had on a fabulous shirt. When I went in, he was there, but wearing the Lowes thing over his shirt, so you could only really see the sleeves. I went up to him and told him that I saw him walking in and that his shirt was awesome! -- lookd great! What a big smile that put on his face!!

[Autumn]

Isn't this great?! Just think of how happy you both made those two people yesterday! :D

This morning I made a big fruit salad and brought it across the street to the old man with the spiffy shoes. I also bought 2 parfait glasses and we ate some together and visited for a 1/2 hour. I think he really enjoyed the visit. He always jokes that I'm a no-good Yankee. HA. :D

[shari]

What a wonderful idea, I'll be looking at this post often!! I don't have anything to post right now, but it sure has me thinking so I can post later today........

[Autumn]

Thanks! Like I said, it doesn't have to be anything big-you could pick up a couple things at the store for an elderly neighbor, or take their trash cans in or out, or email someone a sweet, short, personal note. Let someone go in line before you in the bank. Tell your kid you think she's fanastic. Tell your mother you think she's fantastic.

I once saw a guy in front of our car at the toll booth hand the operator a long stem yellow rose with his $2.00 toll fee. She was shocked! When our turn came, we asked if she knew the guy, she didn't, she just saw him often at the booth, and she was just floored that he had done something so kind. I bet you couldn't wipe the smile off her face all day! :D

[misslinda]

Autumn (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Great idea...........I really have to disagree with your hubby :D I believe it was your intension that was the "golden key" not whether the blouse was really that pretty for you but you meant it for her---so, I applaud you on that. It's small gesture and comments like that, that can open the doors to ehlp other and ourselves--thanks for starting this post! :)

[AJ Bodine]

I told the cashier at the grocery store today that he smelled really good and I liked his cologne. Usually I don't say things like that for fear of sounding silly, but he really did smell good.

He actually kind of blushed and had a huge smile on his face, I think it made his day! :)

[shari]

Ok, Ok, I did it!! I love to do this kind of thing anyway, but I had it in the back of my head all day to bless someone. Well, tonight I went shopping and while in the dressing room and older lady came in and she tried on this bright blue jacket that looked spectacular on her!!! It was just right for her, so I walked over to her corner and said, "That looks wonderful on you!! The color is perfect for you and you look so pretty in it." She didn't really respond too much, I think she was shocked someone said something to her like that, but I know it made her evening-- who doesn't like to hear a genuine compliment about how good we look!! haha!!! It made me feel good too, that I had stepped out of my comfort zone and risked talking to her......not that I'm shy or anything (whew!) But when we do a good deed, it does give us a "pat-on-the-back" kind of feeling.
Way to go Autumn for setting this up!!! I'm going to enjoy reading these posts, how fun!

[sweetgoddess]

What beautiful, shining, loving souls you all are. :)

[rawpriestess]

Well, I have a friend, who was getting ready to confront his boss today, I drove the 60 miles to his work to visit him before his meeting, just to let him know that I totally supported him in whatever his decision would be, he was floored, that I came all that way, just to see him in person.

[rawpriestess]

Okie dokie (is that how you spell it?)

I am ready.

today, as a jesture of kindness

I have an artist fiend, who's computer crashed a few days ago, he has it in the shop and he has some deadlines looming on top of him, he is using his kid's Imac, but it just isn't fast enough, and his computer isn't coming back for several more days, so although he CAN get the work done on the one he is using, it it taking him twice as long to do anything.

So, I offered to take him my really nice, super fancy shmancy laptop, which has all the bells and whistles that he needs, and his super big screen can plug right into it.

I even offered to take it to him, and he lives over an hour away.

He was thrilled.

[maraw]

I love this idea - it really inspires us all to do more for each other! Isn't that one of the reasons we are here?

The other night while putting my 4 and 5 year-old daughters to bed I hesitated a little. Normally, we "go potty", brush teeth, pray and kiss goodnight - very structured routine. Well, I hesitated because I was caught up in the vision of who they had become. They are beautiful, sweet, happy young girls, and my love for them overwhelmed me. I stayed on their beds stroking their hair and telling them how much I loved them and what I liked most about each one. I'll bet I was in there for 1/2 an hour - and they loved it. I could see the pride in their eyes. It taught me that their self-confidence is a precious, delicate thing and I need to nurture it as much as I nurture the love I have for them.

[Autumn]

This is becoming such a nice thread! I love reading all the stories here. Just think how many people have already been shown a bit of kindness in just a couple days! :D

Yesterday I wrote a long letter to my grandmother (the old fashioned way-on pretty paper). I talk to her often, but I know she loves to save cards and letters and reread them over and over again. I also kissed the card with pink lipstick on (I live 1100 miles away), which I know she'll crack up about. :D

[Autumn]

Today I took a basket of fruit to my husband's friend/co-worker who is suffering with depression and hasn't been to work for a week. We visited for a bit. He seemed to perk up a bit, especially when we tried to throw grapes in each other's mouth. That was actually very fun. We felt like kids again. Then I started my stupid little stand-up routine and impressions of people I know. He said he hadn't laughed so hard in a long time.

[Sharon in Colorado]

There was an old episode of Friends were Pheobe wanted to do a good deed without feeling good, which would have made it a truly humble deed. She tried all kinds of stuff which didn't work, even let a bee sting her, but then she found out that the bee died and she got miffed.

At the end of the epidsode, she made a donation to PBS, which she hated for whatever reason (Joey happened to be taking donations over the phone during the fundraiser) and her donation was the one that beat the record (or something like that)...when she saw that it was her donation she started jumping for joy and happy that Joey took it from her. But then she got mad again because it made her feel good. LOL

[Autumn]

I saw that ep too. I think it's nearly impossible to do a good deed without feeling at least a tiny bit good yourself. :D

[rawpriestess]

Someone ordered something from me, with a really sweet little note saying that they would have ordered more, if they had more money.

So, I sent them more for free.

[Autumn]

You're so kindhearted, RP.

I'm not sure if this counts, but I started the thread, so I say it counts. HAHA!
This morning I spent a couple hours with Mandy, just talking to her and cuddling her. She had had a rough night because of some terrible storms, didn't sleep at all (so, um, neither did Mommy!), and was shaking terribly for hours. I held her in my arms and stroked her and cuddled her and told her I loved her and that she was so sweet and smart and pretty and we played patty-cake and peek-a-boo and yeah I'm insane, but I think she felt a lot better afterward. :D

[SedonaSun]

Kindness to animals always counts :)

[rawpriestess]

OHHHHHH Autumn, how sweet of you,

OKAY, well if kindness to animals counts, then I have a million of them

This morning while I was laying in bed with my two dragons' Dragggon the man and Draggon the doggin, I was cuddling them both, one on each side,

But Draggon the dog seemed a little in need of cuddling. we've been very busy lately, so we've been out of the house, and because it's so hot, we can't take him with us, (too hot to leave him in the car) so he has been home alone with the kitty etc. during the day..

So, I just layed by him, and talked to him, and cuddled him, and petted him, and snuggled up to him, and played with his nose, and stroked his ears, and generally gave him those sweet kisses on his nose that let's him know I love him. He just ate it up.

He is the most wonderful dog in the world, and I love him, and yes, I know hes' a big dog, and he sleeps with me, and that's okay, One of the many reasons I love Dragggon the man, is because he's okay with Draggon the dog sleeping with us.

We have this huge bed, so there is plenty of room to sandwich me in. :o)

[rawpriestess]

A regular client I have, was having a challenge, and called me, so I fit her in on my lunch hour, so she wouldn't have to wait until I had an opening, I didn't get a lunch break, but I really helped her out.

[Autumn]

LOL! I don't know how you sleep with a big dog in the bed. Mandy, all 14lbs of her, hogs so much room with her flipping and flopping. We have a Cal. king waterbed and she stretches out all over the place and usually ends up on my head! :p

Well I don't have anything to share for the past couple days. This miserable weather has kept me inside and grumpy. :o Although something odd happened the other day: A long-time client of mine came to get an update. He works very hard, is underpaid (aren't we all?), has 3 kids and is also a minister. He's a very good client, so I gave him a discount (without telling him) and he handed me a check for $15 more than the total. When I asked him why he said, "God knows what you do, and so do I." Here I thought I was giving him a break and he turned around and gave me a tip. Smarty-pants. I'll get him next time. :)

[rawpriestess]

HAHA, Draggon the dog, doesn't flip and flop, he just gets on the bed, off the bed, one the bed off the bed, and the cat, Shadow does the same thing, only he sleeps on Dragggon the man's side of the bed, so it is cat, man, woman, doggin. But it's cozy and we love them, unless it's too hot, then we, the humans get the bed, and the critters want to sleep on the cooler floor.

HUMM, maybe we should re-think that.

Okay, my kindness.

My hubby and I were just leaving yesterday to do a bunch of errands, and an old friend called up that she was in our area, so she wanted to stop by for an hour or so to visit, she lives in another state.

We stopped what we were going to do, opened up the house, turned on all the air conditioning, and visited with her for about 5 hours.

[Rawdiva]

I love to laugh and I love to see others laugh. So today a friend and I enjoyed my last SAD meal, complete with my witty jokes and I laughter from him was absolutey wonderful!!!

[Autumn]

Laughter is wonderful. I love to laugh and to hear others laugh too. :D

Today I called my mother and told her how much I adore her.

[rawpriestess]

Okay, here we go, I was at a wedding this weekend, of some friends, who thought of everything except someone to take pictures, it wasn't a formal wedding, so no wedding consultant etc. Just a nice fun picnic outdoors-y type of wedding. They didn't even ask if anyone had a camera, because they didn't think anyone would.

Well, we always have a camera ready anywhere we go...

So, we took over 120 pictures of the procession, the wedding, the cake, the signing of papers, etc. and downloaded them onto a disc, and we cropped them, and made them all pretty, put them in a nice plastic case, with a pretty lable on it, and gave it to them.

They were so very thrilled.

[rawpriestess]

Hummm, I hope I'm not the only one posting here.

I know someone who has very little money, and they have a disability, so they can't do much exercise.

They wanted a bike, so they could go riding with another friend, and they were looking for a used one, at around $50 which is about all they could afford.

I asked them to help me get something from the store, and when we got there, the something I needed was out of stock.

So, we kind of ventured over to the bikes, and they were all on sale, for under $100, so I asked this person which one would be the best if I were to get one, and he helped me pick out the very best bike, and a helmet, a tray thingy for the back, and a saddle bag, chain and lock.

I asked him if there was anything else that I might need to get me started, as I really wanted to do this, and he said "no", we went through checkout, he loaded it in my car, and when we got back home, I gave it all to him.

Ta da!!!, happy happy day, happy day, happy happy day :o)

[rawpriestess]

Okay, I have a couple

First, we have decided to donate 50% off ALL monies received from psychic readings for the entire months of September and October to actual victioms, (not some administered charity) of the Hurricane. And October is our busiest month of the year, so that should be substantial.

Second, we have donate two large boxes of relief items to be sent out on Wednesday.

[Autumn]

What a wonderful wedding gift for your friends. :D And what a generous gift for the hurricane victims. Yer karma is going to go through the roof. :D


I've been busy with that myself this weekend. I went through all our clothing and other items and packed a bunch of boxes to take to a community center and a church that is housing some of the displaced people from Mobile, MS and LA. We also collected cleaning supplies for some other centers that are taking in victims, and got rid of all our other sad snacks that hubby was holding onto. (Bye-bye peanut butter crackers! :p ) I packed novels, handbags, and reams of paper (for the kids to draw on).

Just in case some of you haven't heard-the centers and other places that are housing these victims need *everything*: books for adults and children, simple games and kid-friendly videos, crayons, coloring books, cards, etc. to keep the children busy. Of course clothing for every age is needed, as well as baby supplies, furnishings, etc. Paper products, cleaning supplies, plastic utensils and cups, toiletries and personal care items (including adult diapers)-just about anything you can think of. Every last item helps. If you have some stuff to give, call your church or community center and find out where the drop-off points are. Oh also! Since it is still hot as hades here in the south, summer clothes are still needed (perhaps some of your summer clothes are too big now that you're raw?? :D )

[rawpriestess]

Update:

We went to a freind's home today, and were able to receive aproximately 10 more boxes of clothing and toys, for all sizes and ages of children and adults. Both male and female, so we are feeling pretty good. They have 3 kids, so we were able to get lots of stuff they were going to send, but didn't know where to send them.

What lovely friends we have.

We will take the day off tomorrow to drive our boxes up to the drop off point as it is over an hour away, and they are shipping the items out on Wednesday.

[rawpriestess]

today, we cut a bunch of produce for friends, and took it to their house, since we were out and about anyway, so we delivered over

5 pounds of fresh tomatoes,
1 flat of fresh picked blackberries,
15 zucchini, yellow zucchini, and crook neck squash,

to 5 people who eat the SAD way,

we also took a beautiful Black berry, chocolate cake

to one friend and they loved it.

I also took 15 of my books and gave them away.

[rawpriestess]

Some fishermen were going by our house, and we always say, "hi" to everyone.

We started chatting about our gardens etc.

They said how their wives are always after them to plant a garden so they can have fresh veggies, so we gave them a bunch.

They were so happy.

Dragggon went out on our dock, and tossed a squash to each of them, so they could walk in thier homes and show their wives what they "caught" today.
LOL

he is so funny.