Friday, September 17, 2010

spreading the love

I was reading my local newspaper this morning and stopped on a quick story about a young good deed doer who is making his way across Canada in an attempt to spark an increased level of trust and kindness among strangers. Stefano Andriani’s project, Travel Kindness, will see his team making their way across the country for the next few months doing everyday good deeds along the way. Efforts like Stefano’s, attempting to make our world a kinder place, are such necessary reminders that there really is so much good in the world, especially when the newspapers seem to be full of bad news.
{via - do you agree?}
A good deed, no matter how big or small, can really put a smile on a stranger’s face. To be able to brighten someone’s day by offering some spare change or a helping hand is often such a simple yet satisfying task and I truly believe in the value of being able to pay it forward. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a stranger's smile, you know how good it feels to get that extra push in your day whether it’s because someone gave up their seat on the bus for you or offered you an extra nickel for your morning coffee. I remember when I was young, my class at school was challenged to commit a good deed and not tell anyone about what we had done – a secret between ourselves and the stranger we had so kindly helped out. How hard does that seem? I mean, I could lend a hand to someone in need or go out of my way to be kind to a stranger and just keep it to myself, right? I remember that keeping my selflessness a secret, so that it did indeed seem selfless, was tougher than I could have imagined. We all have a need to share with others and I really don’t think it’s a bad thing to want to share the good things we do...even if it’s because we’re proud or just want recognition. As much as I do believe that challenge taught me not to worry about acceptance and to be kind no matter who is watching, I think hearing stories of goodwill are motivating. They encourage us to look at out lives and find ways to help those in need. They inspire us to take an extra second to notice that the world is a good place and by being in it, we can help make it better. I am thankful to people like Stefano and the many, many others that constantly remind me that common kindness can go a long way.

Have you received any random acts of kindness lately? Any heartwarming stories?

13 comments:

Diana Mieczan said...

That is a great post..Its nice to read something uplifitng in a newspaper from time to time...I think its so important to be kind...I love those tiny little acts of kindness like smiles or hugs...Perfect post to finish up this week:)
Kisses,sweetie
Have a wonderful weekend:)

a little black cloud in a dress said...

shortly after my move to Texas I opened up a new checking account and I only had temporary check for the first couple of days. I bought a ton of groceries and the store wouldn't take the temp check. The lady in line behind me paid for my stuff.

Gina said...

i love this post, i couldn't agree more with everything you've said. I love to be nice and love when people are extra nice back to me. there is absolutley NO need for rudeness in this world. It is sad that sad people need to force their misery on others.

ilene @ muchloveilly said...

agreed! its kinda sad when people are extra nice and you are surprised by it, you know?! you'd wish it was more normal.

thanks for sharing and this great reminder!!

enjoy your weekend, friend.

Meghan said...

Love this post :) My act of kindness? Hmm...well, I told the old lady next door that her interior car light was on, lol.

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

What a wonderful post! I actually got a birthday coupon for my favorite coffee place so my coffee is free - which means they'll be getting a BIG tip from me today instead!

Gabriella Rose said...

Hey! I started my own blog recently. I'd appreciate it if you could check it out and maybe give me some feedback? Any comments are welcomed! Thank you so much, and don't stop blogging - we all have a voice to be heard! xx

Anonymous said...

There's actually this show called "The Buried Life" and it's what inspired me to start my Bucket List blog. It's about 4 guys who have a bucket list that they want to complete, but with every thing they check off their list, they help someone else check something off theirs. One time they helped a man find his son, stuff like that. It was so moving. If everyone thought about others we'd live in such a more beautiful world.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post and I have to agree that I love reading about the positive things that are happening in the World.

Silver Strands said...

Wow, EXCELLENT post!

I am so very glad that I stumbled across your blog, I will definitely be back!

XOXO,

Denalee

Blair McLeod said...

love this post and love that sign. makes me stop to think....

have a fabulous day!!

Elle Sees said...

i did a week of the same thing...it's on the ole blog!

Brandi said...

Such a beautiful post. I really love that photograph. I try to do little things whenever I can, even if they're for people I know. Everyone needs a reminder that someone is out there thinking about them, someone who cares.