I was in an absolutely terrible mood because I needed to get a recalled air bag in my car fixed, along with a regular oil change, and the customer service rep thought it would be over three hours. And I was trapped at the car dealership with a baby. The rep got me out in less than an hour and a half, saying that she’s a mom too and did what she could to make it fast. I’m not sure how much effort pushing my repair through cost her, but she had no real incentive beyond improving my day (although of course I’ve contacted her manager to praise her kindness). I’m hoping to find a way to pay that kindness forward today.
I did not expect to find kindness at the car dealership; I suppose it’s possible wherever kind people are.
– Allison
I almost didn’t post this because it seems lame, but thinking that sharing kindness is lame is part of the problem. I was at the grocery store with the baby, in a long line, when an employee told the woman behind me that he was opening another register. She started to follow, then turned to me and said, “I’m sure you want to get the baby home. Why don’t you go on ahead of me?” And that made a difference to me today.
When I do think about kindness, I’m usually thinking something big and grandiose, and for someone else. Today I was able to go to my yoga class and tell the teacher that I’m not feeling 100%. I rested when I wasn’t up for the poses, but was still present for my practice. I felt good about being kind to myself.
Everyone wants to believe that they’re a good person. In fact, I’d say that just about everyone does believe that they are. I’ve been learning recently that how I behave depends on the people I’m around at a given time. I don’t want to believe this to be true about me.
I am trying to make a conscious effort to be kind. I want to deliberately cultivate a group of people who will help me to be kind. I want to have kindness be the norm around me.
-Jason D.
Writings of Jason Donev, Allison Ketchell Campbell and Romy Tittel
Small Kind Things 