February 29, 2024

 2023 was a year of many blessings, surprises, and thought provoking times.  December was a time of deep reflection on my life.  January is always a let down after the holiday parties and events. People get out of the holiday mode, the weather is blah, and nothing really is happening in January (my son's birthday is a bright day though). It was a good time to really think about things.  Even though I always tried to be kind to others, I decided to start writing my random acts of kindness in a blog.  I thought today, Feb 29, 2024 would be a good time to take a leap of faith and write to make me accountable for at least one random act of kindness a week.  

I think that I have a giving heart and want to share with others.  I have taken flowers to the lady that helped me with my glasses, goodie basket to the nurses of the 6th floor at a local hospital, and written a note to Fed Ex about an employee that had great customer service.  It doesn't take a lot of my time to do these things.  So many people are quick to complain to management about things when they go wrong.  I try and think that the person is just having a bad day.  It is not about me per se, but just their bad day.  I try and let it ride for their benefit.  

Today, I had to run errands.  Going to the library and grocery store happen to be two things I truly enjoy.  I went to a health food grocery store as I wanted my spices to be organic, free of excessive additives, etc..   I always purchase "Friday Flowers" and even though it is Thursday, my flowers were kaput from last week.  I had thought about buying two bunches with one to share. The flowers at the store were very slim pickins' (pun intended), so I had to think of something else.

Then I saw it, something that most people can have food-wise, sitting on the shelf looking at me!  It was the little honey bear!  Now if the sight of a honey bear doesn't make you smile, I don't know what does.  Most people, me included, usually get the bigger jar of honey when it is on the list.  Not today!  I asked the cashier to not put the honey in my bag.  A lady behind me had a cart full of healthy vegetables, fruits, and such.  I asked her if she liked honey as I held up the little bear.  She said, "you don't want it?" I told her that I would like for her to have a "sweet day" and gave her the little bear.  Her face lit up, the cashier smiled, and my heart was happy. I left the store with a little spring in my step.  Perhaps when she uses the honey, she will think about random acts of kindness (she may already do these things... I hope so). I don't know who gets more enjoyment out of these random acts; the recipient, or myself.  Honestly, I think it is my heart that is happy to do it.  

I will write about these bits of kindness.  I hope to do at least one a week that has a special meaning for me.