When I was a child, there was a woman in my neighborhood whose life mission was to spread joy. Her name was Mrs. Moon and her “random acts of kindness” were legendary. Thanks to her, a beautiful box of Christmas cookies would be waiting to surprise my family on our doorstep. On Halloween she would handout full-sized candy bars and beam as the children squealed with delight. Mrs. Moon was magical and lovely and wonderful. One of the most distinct memories I have as a child was on the day Mrs. Moon dropped off Valentines hearts to me and my siblings. My mom and I answered the door and there she was with gorgeous red hearts and a warm grin. That night I told my mom I wanted to be just like Mrs. Moon when I grew-up. To my surprise, my mom answered “why wait”?
So, I started to make cards for friends and family. I begged my mom to let me bake cookies and hand them out to neighbors. I started to spread my own joy and discovered countless ways to surprise someone with cheer.
25 years later, not much as changed. I still love the feeling of spreading kindness. I still love baking for friends and surprising them. Today I love sending Christmas cards and recognizing special events and holidays. I love smiling at strangers and handing out compliments. There are tons of things I’m not great at. For example, math is not my “cup of tea” and I should never be allowed to discuss economics, but I can make someone smile. I hope my children learn this trait from me and value the importance of being kind to strangers.
In a world full of technology and Facebook, why not create some real “face time”? We are all busy, but if we dropped one silly post on Facebook or 30 minutes of a pointless TV show, we could find the opportunity to do something for someone else.
There are tons of things that are important to teach our kiddies, why should joy not be one of them? Smarties, random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty can change lives, so go out and spread happiness and teach your tots to do the same.
Is anybody happier because you passed their way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over, its time is almost through, Is there anyone that will speak a kind word about you?
Can you say tonight in parting, with the day that’s slipping fast, that you helped a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you win the day or lose it?
Was it well or poorly spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
3 comments
Great post and encouragement to make a difference!
Just reading this brings joy to my heart. Thank you! You and I are very similar, even in the math department. Kindness and love are powerful and so easy to shower people with. It is interesting when someone else does it to me. Meaning a stranger that smiles, or a friend that made a simple geture to honor friendship and needed nothing in return. Giving and expecting nothing back, when it is your heart that gives, priceless! Again, a wonderful, wonderful post!
Loved this post!!!!! I love the motto: Practice a Random Act of Kindness 🙂 The priceless things are the little things.