Be Genuine and Act

Several years ago, I was at a local grocery store and had a full cart of food. I was checking out when I noticed the man behind me. He didn't wear fancy clothing and didn't look clean. He had a small basket with about 10 Hungry Man frozen meals and a few other items. I had a strange feeling inside and told the cashier to add his groceries to my bill. She relayed the news to him and his demeanor immediately changed. A small smile appeared on his face as he asked "Are you sure?" I said "I am 100% sure. Please allow me to pay for your items sir". His smile grew bigger and tears appeared in his tired eyes. "Thank you. You have given me hope in the good of people again. No one has ever done anything like this for me before", he said. I gave a warm smile, told him I was glad to help, and wished him a good evening. As I went to my new truck in the parking lot, I watched the man walk to his vehicle - a very old one with plastic duct taped in the place of some windows. He needed grace. And I needed to be reminded that I would never have too much to prevent me from lending a helping hand or demonstrating the essence and purpose of humanity - COMPASSION. If you think you are so far above the homeless or the people who have less than you financially, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, etc., you might find yourself in their position sooner than later so you can in fact discover how close you are.

We cannot seek or attain health, wealth, learning, justice or kindness in general. Action is always specific, concrete, individualized, unique. - Benjamin Jowett

Most days we utter generic words of our great intentions. We are all in varying positions through which we can make a difference in people's lives. Kindness does change people. It is not a sign of weakness. You can restore someone's hope in humanity or have a powerful impact that they remember for the rest of their life. Instead of being generic about your intentions, be genuine and ACT.

Here are 10 ways to keep kindness going and to be genuine.

1. Thank a veteran when you see one. The same goes for any profession. Take opportunities to communicate how you value others for their services.
2. Buy a meal for someone at another table when you go out to eat.
3. Smile at others. Even if they don't smile back, they will be taken to a happy place from your smile alone.
4. Choose to be patient with retail employees. Don't be the normal rude customer that they encounter regularly.
5. Volunteer! Services that help those in need often only exist because of volunteers.
6. Utter a simple "good morning" with a smile as you run into people in the morning. Set the tone for a great day.
7. Pay compliments. Many people think nice things about people but never utter them.
8. Adopt a family in need during the holidays. This is an experience you will never forget - putting a smile on the face of parents and children during a holiday is truly rewarding.
9. Exercise patience in situations where you find yourself waiting. This is an opportunity to stop and think - to settle down mentally and to reset! Take it.
10. Send a random card to family. Let them know you love them. Some family always wonders if anyone truly cares about them. Though they may never express this, they do wonder - trust me! Send something and remove the doubt.

Goethe said "Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together". I believe this to be true. Through kindness and compassion, we are all connected. When we act kind and feel kind towards others, we develop a certain inner happiness and peace. Living in self allows us to be at peace with our surroundings. Too often we underestimate the power of kindness and caring. IT CAN CREATE THE HOPE WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!