Kill them with Kindness…

Perhaps that is not the best wording to use; but an act of kindness can go a long way!

When I look around, there seems to be a lot fewer acts of kindness in our daily lives. This is mostly because everyone is in such a hurry and have a million things on their minds.

By being aware of your surroundings you are actually finding a healthy way to live your life. Being aware has the power to allow you to live in the moment. For instance, if you are driving and notice your surroundings, including the stop sign you just came to; you are actually living in the present. Many of us have gotten away from that with all our distractions and that is not a good thing. Imagine if you really lived in the present, what you would notice when you are out and about.

I tried this a few weeks ago and actually stumbled upon an elderly gentleman getting out of his car to go into the grocery store. I watched him for a while as he struggled getting out of his car. I circled around and parked my car as he was walking very slowly into the store. Besides moving at a slow pace, I noticed his posture was compromised as well. I approached him as he entered the grocery store and offered to help do his shopping with him. He was so surprised and touched by my offer and said that had never happened to him before. Although he declined my offer, he said he would never forget that moment. So I didn’t get to carry out being helpful at that moment; but I will tell you, I felt just as good as if he would accepted my offer.

Here are a few ideas that could impact someone's day in a positive way.

• Give an unexpected compliment.

• Allow someone to go in front of you while waiting in line.

• Let someone else take the prime parking place.

• Smile!

• Take care of our first responders with a thank you or offer a bottled water to show your appreciation.

• Look for opportunities to lend a hand no matter how small the project.