The Kindness of Making It Easy to Ask

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help."

~ Epicurus

Ah, my steadfast friend...  I recently needed help getting my children to an evening activity as I had a meeting at the same time.  I must admit that I did not hesitate to call my steadfast friend.  She immediately agreed to take my children to their activity and made me feel that it was not a bother.  Along the way, she texted me to let me know that they were getting a snack and then that she had dropped them off.  I found out later that the "snack" was actually a meal at a restaurant.  When I called my friend to thank her, she said, "It was not a big deal."  It was to me.

Kindness and a Saint's Biography

“Never suppress a generous thought.”

― Camilla Eyring Kimball

I am blessed with wonderful work colleagues.  Recently, I was visiting our headquarters in another city and saw one of my colleagues.  He asked me to visit him in his cubicle and then gave me a book – the biography of a new saint.  What he could not have known was that the future saint was my university commencement speaker.  Sometimes when people do nice things, they cannot imagine that they are being even more thoughtful than they know.

The Kindness of Agreeing to an Adventure

“Eating is not merely a material pleasure. Eating well gives a spectacular joy to life and contributes immensely to goodwill and happy companionship. It is of great importance to the morale.”

~ Elsa Schiaparelli

During a recent out-of-town business meeting, I really wanted to try a restaurant that a friend from home had recommended, so I asked a couple of colleagues if they would for join me for a gastronomical adventure.  Graciously, they agreed.  The restaurant was a bit of a distance from the hotel at which we were staying, but my colleagues did not flinch.  We ended up going to a part of town that we had never visited and having an amazing meal.  The food was delicious, but I enjoyed the company just as much.

The Kindness of an Uber Alternative

"Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity."

~ José Martí

On a recent Saturday evening, I met a group of friends at a restaurant to celebrate a birthday.  My husband was going to pick me up at the end of the meal, but when everyone was ready to go, he was still at a distance from the restaurant.  I told him to worry that I would call Uber.  But friends of mine, a married couple, told me that they would take me home – even though it was half an hour out of the way and it was already late.  I enjoyed visiting with them on the ride to my house and greatly appreciated their generosity.

Kindness and Chocolate

“Chocolate is one of the world's most beloved discoveries, and when we need a quick boost of energy and endorphins, chocolate is the go-to treat.”

~ Marcus Samuelsson

I recently spent several days with a group of colleagues at a series of business meetings.  At the end of a long day of meetings, one of my co-workers pulled out two boxes of specialty chocolate bars that he had brought to share with us. It was funny to see a group of adults delight in choosing from a variety of somewhat-exotic flavors. We were quite thrilled about our special treat.  Our generous colleague, who has shared kindnesses with us in the past, put smiles on more than a dozen tired faces.

The Kindness of Responding with Love

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.”

~ Mother Teresa

Can you imagine if we responded to each other with love?  On a recent trip, I felt blessed by a series of kindnesses from strangers – the gentleman who let me on the plane ahead of him even though it was a very full flight, the other one who pulled my suitcase out of the overhead compartment (which was two rows behind my seat) once we landed …  Those strangers had a choice – to be kind to me or not.  And that got me thinking about the many choices and opportunities we face every day.  I wondered what it would be like to respond with love.  I decided to try it for a day.  As you might imagine, I failed pretty miserably pretty quickly, but I think it was worthwhile nonetheless.  It definitely made me more aware of how I respond to opportunities – and it also made me quieter.    

Kindness and Compliments

“The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions - the little, soon forgotten charities of a kiss or a smile, a kind look or heartfelt compliment.”

~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge

I recently attended an early morning activity at my son’s school.  Because I was in a hurry, I had not had enough time to dry my hair, so I picked it up in a clip – not what I consider my best look.  A mom I ran into complimented me on how I looked.  “Really?” I asked.  “Really,” she said.  It was an immediate pick-me-up as anyone who has received a compliment when she doesn’t think she is looking her best knows.  It reminded me that a few days earlier, I had complimented another mother I know (who always looks fabulous) on a top she was wearing. I was surprised to hear her say, “Really?  I’m glad you are telling me that because I was unsure of it.”  Isn’t it amazing how easily we can lift each other’s spirits and make each other feel just a little more confident?