Cultivating Kindness

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey

As I was giving my name badge to the receptionist at the Pacific Market Center today, I suddenly remembered one of my New Year’s resolutions: to practice acts of kindness – random or not. I reached into my purse and pulled out an envelope in which I had strategically stashed Jonboy Caramels and copies of a Tim Girvin quote I had written in calligraphy. I pulled one of each out and gave it to the receptionist. I thanked her for always being friendly and helpful whenever I visited. She was pleasantly surprised. Walking out of the Center, I noticed how good it felt to extend this simple gesture of  gratitude to someone I only see occasionally and don’t know at all outside of a peripheral business context.

The last Jonboy Caramel & hand-calligraphed quote mini-gift I gave out was on Valentine’s Day.  Once again, it was to a receptionist; this time, at a condominium complex in downtown Seattle after delivering a Baby Basket. The receptionist was delighted, saying it was his first Valentine of the day.  Giving a little treat and spreading kindness to someone who wasn’t expecting anything from me was so gratifying and elevated my mood for the remainder of the day.

I’d love to hear about your “random acts of kindness” – so please share your stories! It will inspire me to continue cultivating kindness in my daily buzz about.