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!

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.

[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!

[misslinda]

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

Great idea...........I really have to disagree with your hubby 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!

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.

[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.