Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Choosing to Act Out of Kindness

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."
~ Washington Irving
 
I have a college classmate whom I don't see as often as I would like, but we have a special friendship.  A very kind person, he will send me things that he reads or hears about kindness.  And every time I hear from him, I smile and I am grateful for his friendship.  He is the kind of person who chooses to act out of kindness.
 
This is what he sent me today:
Note to Self:  "What is my purpose in life?"  I asked the void.  "What if I told you that you fulfilled it when you took an extra hour to talk to that kid about his life?"  Said the voice.  "Or when you paid for that young couple in that restaurant?  Or when you saved that dog in traffic?  Or when you tied your father's shoes for him?  Your problem is that you equate purpose with goal-based achievement.  God or the universe or morality isn't interested in your achievements... just your heart.  When you choose to act out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are already aligned with your true purpose.  No need to look any further." 
 
With a special thanks to Paul at NotetoSelf -- One Man's Journey to Become a Better Person by Talking to Himself, the author of this gem. http://notetoselfphilosophy.com/ 

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