Making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time

As a child, my father always emphasized that I should treat people how I wanted to be treated. I watched him do simple things like open doors for people. I would see their smiles. I would hear them say," Thank you." It took quite some time to realize that many of his actions were random acts of kindness. It often appears as an afterthought, but it is a concern for others that makes a difference.

In this pandemic era, we are often too busy with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives to think about performing a random act of kindness- let alone complete one. Now, more than ever, is the time and the effort can be so minimal. It is opening a door, holding the elevator, letting someone at the grocery store ahead of you on a line because they only have a couple of items. For that split second, that smile shows that you made a difference in someone's life. It is not moving mountains, but it made a slight difference at that moment.

We all want to make a difference in the lives of others, but sometimes it can be challenging. A simple smile from someone shows that your kindness and empathy touched them- even if for just one moment! To me, a smile is one of the most priceless gifts you can receive. Yes, a simple smile. This precious gift means more than anything else you could do or give away.

My most recent act of kindness-I recently moved to a brand-new development. The school bus stops outside my house. I noticed that several parents were waiting for the bus to arrive at my corner. So yesterday, my 87-year-old father and I assembled two park benches, and they now sit at the side of my yard for people to sit and wait for their children. I noticed that no one was sitting on them, so I went outside to let them know that we put the benches out there for them to use. The expression on their faces was priceless to my father and me.

You do not have to purchase something to make a difference. Open that door. Hold that elevator. Allow someone in a rush to go ahead of you on a line. Bring in someone's garbage pail. Pay a compliment to someone. Leave a larger tip. Buy wrapping paper from a kid even if you do not need it. Treat people the way you want to be treated, and you will be richer for it. Not just on Random Acts of Kindness Day, but every day. #RandomActsofKindness, #TheTangataExperience?