They are so many, as so many things and support, which I may use daily to get my day going is supplied by kind people I most often do not know at all, like the ones who clean the roads for me from the leaves so that I may not slip and fall, the vast system which needs to be looked after until clean water arrives to wash my face by just opening the water tap, or the bread which I only have to go for and buy. As I will not be able to attend a market these days, a dear friend is willing to do some shopping at the market for me, which I feel is such a gift, and when I arrived somewhere, unexpectedly one of the employers, whom I know only such a little but really appreciate from a few former encounters gave me a big hug. He made me feel so welcome and loved. These are just a few of a vast offer which strangers give as a gift. Being deeply grateful to all of them, I bow my head for their loving kindness. They all are a gift. Thank you dearly, life.
Whatever I buy comes to me from strangers, one way and another, and my clean water and the roads and buildings and landscaping I see and enjoy and………………
Yesterday in my local grocery store parking lot an amazing violinist played for the public. Going closer, an older woman, who turned out to be her mother, held a cardboard sign that read she had 4 children and needed help. Suffice to say, I donated, and deeply wished the family well. The music was amazing, potentially magnified by the breeze and warm air. Indeed a gift.
Kindness from all kinds of people. Last night I trudged out to the store to get some groceries, went by my local grocery store and this cashier was just really friendly, a nice person with everyone she interacted with including me and it made my night kinder, gentler, softer … and that person didn’t give me anything monetary, all she did was express caring. I felt so like not great and it wasn’t specific to me, it was like this is just a caring person with everyone who goes through that line. And I can deeply admire that humility and the mentality of someone to be able to maintain a caring, positive outlook on life and towards others through a pandemic of so many difficult people that person probably interacts with daily. Materially, I likely have more than that person but in terms of the goodness and the warmth and humility, I’m much poorer than that person and I certainly think they have a lot more bravery. I don’t think that person is operating from a place of trying to be better than anyone else, they just are radiating the humility and goodness inside them that is seeing in others a fellow human being, I really was taken by the warmth, goodness, openness and humility of the person.
Going to the park and having a strangers dog play so happily with my dog. We both smiled and said to each other at the same time. “This is great and will tire them out!”. We both left happy and the dogs too.
OH! So many…..dog walking and dinners and snacks….while we are recovering from Covid, we have had a wonderful response from our church community….we are very grateful……and that doesn’t seem like a big enough word, but it is all I have at the moment….
This is a small thing, but what came first to my mind as I read the question: Two days ago, I saw a man petting his dog at a crosswalk as I was about to turn right. I slowed, not sure if he was going to stand and begin crossing with his dog. I turned slowly, glancing his way as I went past him. He looked up with a lovely smile on his face, our eyes meeting for just that quick moment. The “gift” I received was a glimpse into the joy he felt being with his dog, enjoying the day and that moment at a street corner in a little town in northern Wisconsin. I was grateful to remember how many small joys and satisfactions we have all around us, when we have eyes to see.
Smiles from strangers can be wonderfully rewarding, can’t they, Patricia – I still remember the Sikh on the beach, soon after 9/11 – we passed each other, walking in different directions along the beach in the early morning, and smiled happily at each other.
I am often aware that my daily life depends on the efforts of people I never see. When I buy food or anything at a store countless people behind the scenes did things that made it possible for that item to appear before me. I drive on roads and hike on trails someone else builds and maintains for me and others. And I can only hope that in return I sometimes contribute to others in ways I don’t see either.
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It’s been overwhelming training for new job. Any coworker reaching out to offer help is much appreciated. They’re all new to me right now.
They are so many, as so many things and support, which I may use daily to get my day going is supplied by kind people I most often do not know at all, like the ones who clean the roads for me from the leaves so that I may not slip and fall, the vast system which needs to be looked after until clean water arrives to wash my face by just opening the water tap, or the bread which I only have to go for and buy. As I will not be able to attend a market these days, a dear friend is willing to do some shopping at the market for me, which I feel is such a gift, and when I arrived somewhere, unexpectedly one of the employers, whom I know only such a little but really appreciate from a few former encounters gave me a big hug. He made me feel so welcome and loved. These are just a few of a vast offer which strangers give as a gift. Being deeply grateful to all of them, I bow my head for their loving kindness. They all are a gift. Thank you dearly, life.
I received gifts for my kids from co wife
Whatever I buy comes to me from strangers, one way and another, and my clean water and the roads and buildings and landscaping I see and enjoy and………………
We were at an intimate LIVE jazz concert last evening. It was a hugely generous gift of talent and love and we were transported!
Yesterday in my local grocery store parking lot an amazing violinist played for the public. Going closer, an older woman, who turned out to be her mother, held a cardboard sign that read she had 4 children and needed help. Suffice to say, I donated, and deeply wished the family well. The music was amazing, potentially magnified by the breeze and warm air. Indeed a gift.
Spicy peppers from someone’s garden! 🙂
Kindness from all kinds of people. Last night I trudged out to the store to get some groceries, went by my local grocery store and this cashier was just really friendly, a nice person with everyone she interacted with including me and it made my night kinder, gentler, softer … and that person didn’t give me anything monetary, all she did was express caring. I felt so like not great and it wasn’t specific to me, it was like this is just a caring person with everyone who goes through that line. And I can deeply admire that humility and the mentality of someone to be able to maintain a caring, positive outlook on life and towards others through a pandemic of so many difficult people that person probably interacts with daily. Materially, I likely have more than that person but in terms of the goodness and the warmth and humility, I’m much poorer than that person and I certainly think they have a lot more bravery. I don’t think that person is operating from a place of trying to be better than anyone else, they just are radiating the humility and goodness inside them that is seeing in others a fellow human being, I really was taken by the warmth, goodness, openness and humility of the person.
Going to the park and having a strangers dog play so happily with my dog. We both smiled and said to each other at the same time. “This is great and will tire them out!”. We both left happy and the dogs too.
Last weekend, as I struggled through a 5K race, there were plenty of people I didn’t know on the sidelines cheering me on.
I love that! It really does make a difference having those ‘cheerleaders’ throughout the 5K:) I need to sign up for one for November.
OH! So many…..dog walking and dinners and snacks….while we are recovering from Covid, we have had a wonderful response from our church community….we are very grateful……and that doesn’t seem like a big enough word, but it is all I have at the moment….
I’ve received kind, listening ears from people here. ❤
This is a small thing, but what came first to my mind as I read the question: Two days ago, I saw a man petting his dog at a crosswalk as I was about to turn right. I slowed, not sure if he was going to stand and begin crossing with his dog. I turned slowly, glancing his way as I went past him. He looked up with a lovely smile on his face, our eyes meeting for just that quick moment. The “gift” I received was a glimpse into the joy he felt being with his dog, enjoying the day and that moment at a street corner in a little town in northern Wisconsin. I was grateful to remember how many small joys and satisfactions we have all around us, when we have eyes to see.
Smiles are always such wonderful gifts. Smiles from strangers especially so 😊
Smiles from strangers can be wonderfully rewarding, can’t they, Patricia – I still remember the Sikh on the beach, soon after 9/11 – we passed each other, walking in different directions along the beach in the early morning, and smiled happily at each other.
lovely.
I am often aware that my daily life depends on the efforts of people I never see. When I buy food or anything at a store countless people behind the scenes did things that made it possible for that item to appear before me. I drive on roads and hike on trails someone else builds and maintains for me and others. And I can only hope that in return I sometimes contribute to others in ways I don’t see either.
😄 I like your idea, Maurice.
The gift of lending a hand when I was feeling overwhelmed. The gift of taking the initiative and letting me know what I need to do to help.