The lovely Mommy Wizdom is our hostess for this latest Fun Monday, and BOY...was it a doozie! She wanted us to perform a random act of kindness, and then blog about the experience. OR...blog about being the recipient of a random act of kindness.One suggestion she had was to "smile at everyone you meet for a day, no matter what." Well, I decided that I would do just that during my weekly shopping excursion. The store, of course, was unbelievably crowded...and as much as I wanted to just get in and get out, I felt obligated to complete the assignment! What happened was inevitable - in a small town, everyone knows everyone else...and with just a smile, I found myself engaged in conversations with folks. But I didn't smile just at people I knew.
I smiled at an elderly lady who looked lonely - she did a double-take, looked at me suspiciously for a moment, then returned a feeble smile. It was almost as if she was surprised that someone would notice and smile at her.I smiled at a little girl, who was checking out my daughter's funky attire for the day. She looked puzzled, but seemed comforted by the gesture.
I smiled at someone who was hard at work, in appreciation for what these employees must have to endure on busy shopping days. Once again, a slight double-take, then a return smile.
It was too easy. I smiled at so many people - most of whom were unknown to me. It was interesting to see how many people were a bit taken aback by my smile (promise, I didn't have anything in my teeth). Has our world become so troubled and cynical that a simple gesture seems entirely out of place? I don't live in the big city, mind you - but a small, Southern town. Yet, I felt a bit out of place, smiling at people all over the store.
I perform acts of kindness each day - from picking up a friend's child at a party, to taking an extra kid home from school, as a mother I'm usually pressed into service. I also volunteer with my local Rotary Club and serve on board of two local organizations. Service to others is something I try to accomplish EVERY day. However, a free smile to a stranger may be a more welcome gift. The gift of random kindness that is free, and makes us feel better in the process.
Now, perform your act of kindness today - AND check out the other participants!
15 comments:
Isn't it bizarre how many people squirm and feel uncomfortable when a stranger smiles at them? Glad you were able to brighten someone's day!
I held the door open at the post office for a woman carrying a big package - she almost seemed surprised anyone tried to help her and I live in the South. It's hard to find true genuine caring people anywhere these days.
It is sad that people can't genuinely accept a smile! And yours is so beautiful :-)
Thanks for taking the challenge.
Happy December!
Usually random acts of kindness are easy and effortless. I am sure you made somone's day and you probably felt good too!
What a wonderful thing to do! Especially to the poor 'invisible' people who work in the stores. So many times it seems people just ignore the fact that they are there.
Who can turn the world on with her smile???? Tiggerlane, apparently! Good job!
I too am suprised and bothered by the fact that people are so shocked when you show them a bit of kindness...it is a sad world we live in sometimes.
You're just showing off. That little girl must have been confused about your daughter's wardrobe. She's like Michael Jackson.
It is odd, isn't it, how people seem kind of nervous when you're kind? Doesn't that make you a little nervous in return??
Great assignment. I'm sure your smiles were met with lots of smiles in return.
Aww, so glad you perked up so many folks. :) In our small town, folks still smile and help each other out, and it would be rude if I didn't make eye contact and smile too! But it does get tiring sometimes. ;)
{i}Post - I thought it strange, too - and then felt strange that I was uncomfortable! It's just smiling!
C - you are so right - and I'm hoping that the troubles our country is facing brings us TOGETHER, so we remember it's the little things that count.
MommyWizdom - thank you so much! And thanks for hosting!
The Church Lady - I hope I did, and I did feel better after the experience.
Cruise Mom - so very true! I actually feel more comfortable smiling at the workers than the customers.
Sayre - LOL! It's a goofy one, alright!
Alison - maybe if enough of us try to make a change...it will happen!
M@ - perhaps - she's an odd little fashionista.
the rotten correspondent - YES! Absolutely! And it makes me wonder if I have stepped over some invisible line...which is WEIRD.
Desert Songbird - yes, they were - but not as many as I expected!
Kila - the same goes for here. People are expected to stop and TALK while shopping!
I'm going to floss and brush -- and give it a try!
Hi Tigger,
I have been away from blogging for awhile and am trying to catch up with old friends. I hope that you and your family are well. Merry Christmas.
Pamela - let me know how it works out!
Molly - SO GOOD TO SEE YOU again! And I hope yours was Merry!
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