Reflections

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  1. Ose
    Ose
    1 month ago

    The kindness of someone who despite being ill went to a meeting where other people needed to be informed about essential changes related to their work. He is an expert on these issues and one of the rare who offers his support for just a normal fee or even for free and allows that many others who not necessarily would belong to the association may attend to be helped also. It was an unexpected very kind and really selfless offer.

    1. Mary
      Mary
      1 month ago

      It’s nice to hear about someone who really wants to help others.
      He sounds like a really good hearted man.

  2. sparrow51014
    sparrow
    1 month ago

    I read somewhere . . .
    I can’t remember where,
    but it stuck,
    that every so often we should perform an act of kindness to someone,
    and never tell a soul
    that we did it.
    It struck a chord . . . ♥

    1. Mary
      Mary
      1 month ago

      Yes, not looking for recognition, just doing a good deed. ☀️

  3. Yram
    Yram
    1 month ago

    A neighbor stopped by with cherry tomatoes and zinnias.

  4. Mary
    Mary
    1 month ago

    A person who does not live at my Mom’s assisted living facility has been feeding a few homeless cats there. She trapped, neutered, and found homes for most of the cats in this group, who had been abandoned by a neighbor who had moved. Yet there were still a few cats that she was unable to trap. This person has given so much time and effort because she cares about the lives of these animals. I was surprised to learn of her actions, and am grateful to her for her kindness.

  5. Charlie T
    Charlie T
    1 month ago

    An old friend, that often made me feel uncomfortable and uneasy, has been much better and more aware of other people’s feelings, and my feelings in particular.
    I’m assuming he has been through some life struggles that has softened him a bit.

    1. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      Time wears on all life, just as water falling onto a stone, I think, Charlie.

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      I was thinking the same thing,
      dear Charlie . . . ♥

  6. pkr29022
    pkr
    1 month ago

    This past Monday I was @ a local cultural center watching a movie. After the movie I got a coffee @ their cafe & left on my merry way to the library. When I got there I realized I did not have my phone. I searched thru all my “stuff”, a bit frazzled. Thinking I left my phone on the top of my trunk when I left the Art Center, (never done that before). Anyway drove back all upset, frantic, freaked. Told the people at the info desk & security guards my situation. They all pretty much went out of their way to help me. They were all so kind, understanding & helpful.
    They reviewed security cameras. retraced my steps with me & calmed me down.
    The good news is I left it in the bathroom!!! (never did that before). A security guard & his sweet dog Alpha found it.
    I was quite embarrassed needless to say & relieved.
    All the people who helped me were so kind, caring & loving. I was blown away by their genuine kindness & concern for me.
    Yes, there are so many good, decent, honorable people out there. Unfortunately the “bad crap” gets way too much magnification.
    I believe there truly is more good than not.
    Keep on sharing the love folks…♥️

  7. Barb C
    Barb C
    1 month ago

    I don’t know that anyone has actually *surprised* me with kindness recently. I’ll reflect on a couple of instances of kindness, which is one of my core values and how I want to show up in the world.

    I appreciate the drivers who move over a full lane to pass me on my bike. My town, where I’ve now lived for 5 years, seems to have more courteous drivers than other places I’ve lived so this is more a delight than a surprise.

    I had a couple of different and unrelated instances of illness this week that sandwiched an overnight work trip. My coworkers were all kind and understanding as I had to cancel and reschedule meetings and take care of myself. My sweetheart kept checking up on me during and after the worst of each (a long vertigo attack, later some food poisoning) and making sure I had what I needed. He’s the first to say “take care of yourself!” when I’m feeling under the weather.

    1. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      Barb C, that sounds like a very unpleasant “sandwich”! I hope that you are feeling much better by now.

      1. Barb C
        Barb C
        1 month ago

        It was, and thank you! Completely over both of them but what a week.

    2. Michele
      Michele
      1 month ago

      Wishing you a speedy recovery 🙂

      1. Barb C
        Barb C
        1 month ago

        Thank you Michele! All better now. Whew.

  8. Carol Ann Conner
    Carol Ann Conner
    1 month ago

    I have really enjoyed reading everyone’s responses to today’s question. There is so much kindness and love here. It no longer surprises me but does make me very thankful for all who gather here. Blessings always and all ways to all of you.

  9. Elizabeth H67151
    Elizabeth H
    1 month ago

    My husband’s beloved caregiver Pat died a few weeks ago, just 5 weeks after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I met Pat’s daughter just a couple weeks before Pat died. The last time I saw Pat, she gave me her daughter’s phone number. Her daughter has surprised me with her kindness amidst her own grieving. She has sent me some kind texts and she offered to pick up my husband’s favorite buffalo burger from a local restaurant and drop it by for him (Pat often used to bring him a buffalo burger)

    1. Michele
      Michele
      1 month ago

      Loving kindness and silent blessings to Pat’s daughter, you and your husband.

    2. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      I’m sure that Pat’s daughter
      understands how much her mother meant to those she cared for,
      and thought of you and your husband as extended family.
      What a kind thing she did
      by including you both in shared grief . . .
      what a wonderful gift,
      dear Elizabeth. ♥

    3. Barb C
      Barb C
      1 month ago

      What a sudden loss. That must be hard for you and your husband as well as for her family. And what a kindness from her daughter!

  10. D
    Drea
    1 month ago

    An acquaintance shared with me something to read to help elucidate a self-destructive outlook that I have. It was kind, because it was what I needed to hear.

  11. Patti
    sunnypatti
    1 month ago

    I’m not really surprised by kindness, but I will say that everyone who worked at the hotel we stayed at in Charleston were all so friendly and kind. They all spoke to us anytime we passed them, and we had some nice conversations with a few of them. On the trip home yesterday, we stopped at a gas station that had a Starbucks. I’m not usually a Starbucks girl (I prefer local shops), but I went in for an iced chai, and all of the young women working were all so energetic and fun. I love when I see that at a business – people enjoying their jobs and giving the customer service they were hired to give. Having been in customer service for so long, it’s an area I appreciate and am always kind to the people making my drink or whatever service they are offering.

    Charleston was great, but we are happy to be back home. Happy Saturday 🙂

  12. Carla
    Carla
    1 month ago

    I received news this week that a very good friend of 30+ years died post surgery with complications. I shared this upsetting news with a co-worker. She sought me out discreetly at work and gave me a supportive hug. Such a spontaneous gift! Restful weekend blessings to all 🫶🏽☮️

    1. Michele
      Michele
      1 month ago

      My condolences to you on the sudden & unexpected loss of your good friend. Sending you a virtual hug. 🤗

    2. Joseph
      Joseph McCann
      1 month ago

      Thank you for the blessings, Carla and may your friend rest in peace.

    3. sparrow51014
      sparrow
      1 month ago

      Sudden loss,
      dear Carla,
      is very painful,
      as it gives you no time to prepare yourself.
      I felt this way when my brother died of covid . . .
      no one had called me to tell me he was sick.
      I’ve had a hard time wrapping my head around it. ♥

      1. Mary
        Mary
        1 month ago

        Oh, Sparrow, that must hurt.

    4. Mary
      Mary
      1 month ago

      I’m so sorry, Carla, to hear of the passing of your good friend.
      I wish you a restful and peaceful weekend, my friend.

      1. Carla
        Carla
        1 month ago

        thank you Mary. The suddenness of the loss was so jarring, and there aren’t many nearby to share this loss with. I’m grateful for the kindness of these pages…and those spontaneous commenters like yourself. 🙂

        1. Mary
          Mary
          1 month ago

          Thank you, Carla. That means a lot to me. 🌷

    5. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      I am so sorry to hear about your friend, Carla!

      A hug can be such an amazing gift. There are some hugs I have received in times of sorrow that I still remember so appreciatively even 30 years later.

      1. Carla
        Carla
        1 month ago

        Thank you, Elizabeth H., I am touched by the thoughtfulness and kindness of many on this page. Thanks for reaching out with your own memories. 🙂

    6. D
      Drea
      1 month ago

      I’m so sorry, Carla.

      1. Carla
        Carla
        1 month ago

        Thank you, Drea. Thanks for reaching out, a kindness shared too. 🙂

    7. Patti
      sunnypatti
      1 month ago

      I’m so sorry about your friend, Carla.

      1. Carla
        Carla
        1 month ago

        Thank you Sunnypatti, I am so touched by the spontaneous gestures of many of us reaching out to each other. It’s a balm for me during this loss. 🙂

  13. Ngoc Nguyen
    Ngoc Nguyen
    1 month ago

    It’s not only because of the accommodations, but also because of how my professors treated me in class that I felt a sense of comfort. Of course, I see their actions as acts of kindness. May everyone have a wonderful weekend.

    1. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      I am so glad to hear that your professors have been kind and supportive, Ngoc!

    2. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      My Ngoc, being treated kindly by professors goes a long ways in making learning feel more comfortable. We’re cut from the same cloth; self-improvement and learning, same thing. Like I said in one of my answers days ago, I value relationships over results.

  14. L
    Loc Tran
    1 month ago

    Yesterday, my mom gave Ngoc and I some chocolate candy for dessert after dinner. My mom gave me one of her pieces. Ngoc gave me another one.

    1. Ngoc Nguyen
      Ngoc Nguyen
      1 month ago

      OMG didn’t think that you could count it as an act of kindness. 😂

      1. L
        Loc Tran
        1 month ago

        Of course I do, my Ngoc, especially coming from someone who loves sweets.

  15. Michele
    Michele
    1 month ago

    We had a family night last night at my son’s gf home. She bought pizza and salad for us. We had a really nice time catching up.

    https://nationaltoday.com/today/ – some good ones today 🙂

    1. Barb C
      Barb C
      1 month ago

      But–but–I thought EVERY day was International Chocolate Day! 🍫 🍪 🍫 🍪

      1. Michele
        Michele
        1 month ago

        🤣 it sure is for me

      2. L
        Loc Tran
        1 month ago

        I’d love that, Barb. I’m very sure your husband would love it too. It’s natural to crave for things we’re restricted from.

      3. Mary
        Mary
        1 month ago

        Yes!

    2. Elizabeth H67151
      Elizabeth H
      1 month ago

      Michele, I always wondered how you knew what that special theme of the day was. Now I know! 🙂 I will have to let my husband know that today is “Bald is Beautiful Day” 😀

      Your family night last night sounds like a good time! We also had family time last night– our nephew and friend came over and brought us Italian food.

      1. Michele
        Michele
        1 month ago

        nice 🙂 We all got together again last night this time at my house. I love how everyone brings something and it’s a group effort – makes things easier for the host too, lol.

        1. L
          Loc Tran
          1 month ago

          It sofe does, Michele. That’s exactly the case at some of my family’s Vietnamese gatherings.

    3. L
      Loc Tran
      1 month ago

      Sounds fun and delicious, Michele.

      1. Michele
        Michele
        1 month ago

        I thought of you last night at dinner – my Dad brought out a recipe he had and wants Erin, my son’s girlfriend, who is a great baker, to make – Honeycomb Cake – Banh Bo Nuong. I never heard of Pandan Extract before. I will look forward to trying it one day.

        1. L
          Loc Tran
          1 month ago

          Michele, I’ve had that before, and it’s delicious.

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