Acts Of Kindness

[Deleted member 33052]

More and more I believe that our purpose in life is to help others. Whether it's listening to someone who needs to be heard, helping someone load their groceries, or donating to your local food bank or shelter, it's the act of acknowledging someone else's existence that - I think - keeps us human.

Acts of kindness don't have to be random. A planned act is wonderful because it prolongs the sense of well-being that we derive from turning our focus outward.

Kind acts also don't have to be anonymous. I'm hoping that members will post their good deeds here, not only to help inspire others, but also to express how performing the act made you feel.

At this time of year, I think it's especially important for us to provide ourselves with as much wwell-being as we can, and I hope this helps.

I haven't done anything yet today, but last night I struck up a conversation with a young First Nations man who- I believe - most middle-aged Caucasian women would have crossed the street to avoid. He seemed surprised initially, but warmed up to the idea quickly. I am sure I saw gratitude in his eyes.

This encounter left me feeling grateful that I had this opportunity, and also very sad that people are judged and labeled by stereotypes.

 

[Riot]

Since January, I've walked at least twice a week past a regular homeless guy near the library. Every once in awhile I'd stop and chat with him and ask how he was doing, or hand him a few bucks. Wednesday, I was heading that way to treat myself to lunch and saw him digging around the trash again, so I greeted him with a wave and asked him if he wanted to get some grub with me, my treat. I took him to my favorite restaurant/buffet and bought him an all you can eat lunch and drink and gave him my box of leftovers for his kid buddy. :)

(I was homeless for a brief spell in my youth, so I know how it feels, especially during the holidays, to be cold, hungry, and alone.)

 

[hodge]

Wonderful thread, @Mal Content!

Doing acts of kindness for strangers is about the only thing that really makes me feel better.

Today I was pretty much just in the house, but I did take Gunner with me on a few short errands as he loves car rides. Otherwise I didn't encounter any opportunity to do anything today.

 

[hodge]

Awesome, Riot!!

 

[Deleted member 33052]

@Riot, that is absolutely beautiful. Here's a man who, for all intents and purposes, is invisible to the majority of people. You validated his existence AND filled his belly! How did you feel afterwards?

@hodge yep, I have days like that, too. You did show Gunner a kindness, though, and that counts.

 

[GrayOwl]

Thanks Mal.

It's a forgotten art as people today walk around with their noses in their phones, unable to even acknowledge, say Hi, or avoid trampling you as they immerse themselves in their "me" worlds. And then they wonder why they feel hollow and life has no meaning.
They want to compile status symbols like titles, money or things - that supposedly make them important.
Listening, reading, saying hi, how are you?, a compliment, volunteering. How about it??
I read in todays' paper about a golf pro that nearly died of cancer, was wheelchair bound and diagnosed terminal at 64 years old. Today, 4 years later, he spends his life walking again, making golf clubs and giving lessons, all for free, to disabled vets and handicapped children - giving people life again where there was so little hope. And he says this makes his life complete today. If only more understood. If only more of us could take the time.
It can start with a smile. Give, expect nothing in return. You'll understand. If it doesn't work, don't do it anymore.

"IT IS NOT HE WHO HAS LITTLE,
BUT HE WHO WANTS MORE,
WHO IS POOR."

Thanks again, Mal. Well spoken.

 

[Teddy Bear]

A new coffee shop opened up and they run off of donations, so I bought what normally would be $3 coffee and paid $20. I was feeling generous and the store owners, employee, and fellow people were just so nice and happy to have a conversation with me.

 

[hodge]

Shopping locally is so great, @Teddy Bear, and to give them a gift as well!

 

[mamachick]

I volunteer one night a week from Dec to March at a local homeless shelter. We serve them meals and just sit and talk with so many who are out in the cold until the shelter opens at 8 pm and they can get out of the cold. They are so grateful for the food, but also knowing that volunteers are there to sit and listen without judgement.

A local woman opens her home all year round on Sundays also for the homeless and some that have apartments but no family and local soup kitchen is closed. I go on sunday and do whatever needs done, and again, visit with these folks. They may be poor and dirty, but they are like family. It is very rewarding and makes me appreciate things I have taken for granted.

I intended to be there on Thanksgiving and have been sick for almost a month so I was not able to go. I feel terrible even though I know it was not best for me. Giving in any way definitely helps. When I am not there, my stresses return fully-unfortunately!

 

[Riot]

@Mal Content, yeah, I know it. It's terribly sad how filthy and truly needing of help this guy so obviously is. I've seen him huddled in raggedy clothes on wet grass in terrible weather, and yet it's unbelievable how many people don't even look at him. I can understand it to some degree though, you just never know these days, but I guess since I've exchanged words with him for the better part of this year I figured a run across the street in the public wasn't anything I couldn't handle. I am mostly irritated by the dirty looks people gave us, but on the other hand some were very nice, like the waitress.

Overall, I feel really good about it. I pretty much avoid just about everyone, so in addition to feeling warm-fuzzies for making his day (and he was tearfully surprised and grateful) I was also proud of my own bravery. :happy:


@hodge, thank you! I surprised myself with the spontaneous decision. :D

 

[hodge]

@brat17 and @Riot, I wish I could like both your posts a thousand times.

I work part-time for a homeless shelter my mom started in the Detroit area. They have a shelter that rotates among many churches during the winter and a day center that operates year round to help people with basic things like getting IDs, applying for benefits, jobs, apartments, etc. They even have arrangements to get people free haircuts and clothes. My mom was one of my main abusers, but these days she does good, too.

 

[Killashandra]

My belief has always been to be kind to others no matter who what where they are.
Kindness seems to radiate from me, whether it be a smile or acknowledgement or a deed. I do it becasue it makes me feel good,
I don't usually tell people about my acts of kindness because it should be a given thing but in the midst of media and drama,fear and isolation acts of kindness arent news worthy and aren't a given trait. and I think that's the problem with the world.
Since I rarely leave the house my acts of kindness are limited.
My most recent act of kindness was at my girls elementary school graduation, I went out for a smoke, to get away from the noise and overwhelming anxiety from too many people. 3 indigenous people drove up to me and asked me for a smoke. it turned out I knew 2 of them from my work, at first they didn't recognize me because it's been so long since I worked.. I smoke rollie tobacco, so I rolled 3 seperate cigarettes for each of them. I didn't have to... but I took the TIME.
Most people wouldn't. it's easier to say no. and I recieved a cuddle for it! can't beat cuddles! even if they pong. ☺
My reward for my kindness is that if I run into a group of indigenous people they won't harass me, becasue I'm a good one.. ( the indigenous folk where I live can be volatile, especially the younger ones)

Personally I believe most sufferers of ptsd or Cptsd are infact very kind, because we know first hand what unkindness can do.

Love the thread Mal.

Killa