I have long believed that simple acts of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s day—in the givers as well as the receivers. In fact, I try to do them whenever possible. Maybe it’s helping someone carry something to their car or even just a nice little compliment. All this can turn a person’s day around, and let’s face it, you never know what troubles people have on their plate. It also makes me feel good, which is a bonus. It’s a tough world out there, folks.
I, well, my dog, has been the beneficiary of a simple act of kindness twice in the past month. Gus and I have been on our daily walks when a sweet older lady has slowed down beside us in her car and asked if my good, sweet boy Gus can have a treat. I, of course, say yes, and she proceeds to produce a rather large dog biscuit that looks to be homemade. Gus is thrilled, even though I make him wait till he gets home to have it so he can share it with his sisters. I’m telling you, that thing is huge.
I ask you, could there be a nicer act of kindness? I think not. This lady is obviously a dog lover and has taken it upon herself to treat the dogs in our neighborhood. I just love this! So does Gus. I think he recognized her car the second time, and he got very excited to see her. The second time she stopped, her husband was with her. He was just in the passenger seat, shaking his head. He may think she is a loon, but I think she is the best kind of loon ever.
I appreciate all simple acts of kindness and have been the beneficiary of too many to count. One time, when my daughter was sick, I drove around late at night trying to find her a Sprite to settle her stomach without driving all the way to Kroger. I slid into the convenience store closest to my house only to find them closing for the night. They had soda machines outside, and I was digging in my car trying to find enough change. The kind gentleman who ran the store asked me what I needed, and I explained my situation. He immediately reached into his pocket, put some change into the vending machine, and handed me the Sprite. He would not let me pay him back. Let it be known that for the last 10 years, this has been basically the only place I will buy my gas. This girl does not forget a kind gesture.
Every day, each of us is faced with the opportunities to perform simple acts of kindness. We just have to decide to make the effort. The reward is far greater than the effort in my experience. Hold a door open for someone, compliment a cashier on her nails or tattoos. Just do something!
This world is a fucking dumpster fire, y’all. Why not put forth a little effort and try to make it a slightly better place for everyone? It’s not hard.
I beg you, go out and do good in the universe. The benefits will come back to you tenfold, and you will feel good too, and so will the person who you just interacted with. Life is tough. Let’s try to make it a little less tough.
And to that lady who drives around with the dog treats, thanks for being such a kind neighbor and loving dogs as much as I do.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
