One day I was balancing a toddler and a baby, along with an armful of books as I headed out of the library. As any parent with no more than two arms would know, it takes close to Herculean effort to open a heavy glass door while keeping everyone and everything from falling.

No sooner did I get to the door when the library guard make his way down the breezeway to hold the door open for us. How he managed to get that far so quickly and gracefully I’ll never know. But in that moment of kindness I felt such gratitude for that man’s selfless action.

You might think it was no big deal. After all, it’s not like he lifted an 18-wheeler off me and handed me a million bucks! What I do know is that a loving action goes a long way and can last a long time.

That was thirty years ago! And every so often I recall that gentleman and send a prayer of gratitude his way, wherever he may be.

When I do someone a good turn, perhaps just holding a door for someone behind me or saying a simple thank you, I believe that I have played a part in creating and sustaining a positive ripple effect in the world.

Kindness also takes me away from my narrow point of view, from focusing on my self, my challenges, and those nagging little complaints that can churn in my brain:) Know what I mean?

And, let me bring up science again…
“Being kind boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain that give you feelings of satisfaction and well-being and cause the pleasure/reward centers in your brain to light up. Endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain killer, also can be released.”
From: https://www.ssmhealth.com

Here’s to kindness!

Tell us about some kindness you have received from others in the comments.