“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
― Dalai Lama XIV
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
― Desmond Tutu
I was thinking about small acts of kindness on my way in to work today.
The smiles shared by people on the early bus as the 3 year old with her busy mother chatters with her bus friends.
The joy they get from bringing her small treats… toys from McDonald’s… and the gifts she gives them in return… drawings and “letters” and love.
It takes so little to be kind.
And then I got here, to the office, and there was a small bag from one of my students hanging on the door handle, with a couple of cookies, just because, and a card.
I’ve had students randomly send me thank you cards.
And random thank you emails.
And it just makes my day.
So I am trying, making an effort, to be kind.
To say “Have a good day” to the man on the bus who clearly has some challenges interacting with people.
To disengage from my phone when I am checking out at a store, and saying a few words to the person helping me.
To remember that everyone is fighting their own battles, I know nothing about them, and perhaps a bit of kindness will help them get through the day.
It can be hard to remember when my view of someone is clouded by preconceptions, misconceptions, or dislike. But really? In the grand scheme of things, I don’t need to “win”. I just need to be kind. Share a little good. Put some light into the world.
(Gosh, this is a pollyanna kind of week for me… I’m thinking it’s the start of spring and the hope of warmer weather. Perhaps I’ll be back to grumpy and curmudgeonly this weekend, when we’re supposed to have rain. Or maybe not. :>)