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It Is The Way Life Works Single acts of kindness are like seeds, they grow to blossom into beautiful gardens. I remember a psych class in college where our instructor challenged us. We were to commit an act of kindness that was not rewarded. Then write an essay about it. My act of kindness was carrying groceries for an older woman that lived in a friends apartment complex. It lessened her burden that day. As we walked around the back of the building she talked after a few trips we were no longer strangers, but aquaintences. Wild apple trees were blooming and they smelled gorgeous. Trilliums to could be seen on the edge of the woods behind the buildings, which reminded me of home. The task complete, we said our good byes, never to see each other again. I walked back along the path to the parking lot. I took deep breaths as if I could inhale the fragrance of those flowers forever. My eyes delighted as I watched sun drops dance across the leaves to the rhythm of soft breezes. The warmth of the sun against my skin. the coolness of gentle winds. I got to my car and headed home with such pleasant thoughts racing in my mind. Later that night, everything fresh in my mind, I wrote my essay. instead of writing about an act of kindness being unrewarded, I wrote it was impossible not to be rewarded. Rewards come in so many ways. My reward was the woods, the flowers, an exchange of conversation, the chance to make life a little easier for someone. What difference can that make? It was a few moments on a pleasant afternoon in my college days, I am fifty four now. I just realized while typing this, you really can inhale the fragrance of blossoms and keep them for a lifetime. |
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Often it is the things that cost nothing, that mean everything. Tell me your experiences.
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The seeds were sown have matured....... NOW it is our turn in life to plant these seeds in the next generation to carry on.
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Opening doors. That was my thing and still is. Whenever I saw older people, I would open and hold doors for them. A person with their arms full, I'd get that door. My reward of a thank you, or a smile, was good enough. Funny, now I'm old, getting close to 70 and I still grab the door for someone struggling. I used to lend people money, but stopped when I realized it never helped them and they'd come back asking for more.
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My favorite time to help people is when they haven't asked for it, although if someone asks, I'll do what I can to help. You are right about the rewards.... it is often a boost in our spirits and we see things a little brighter and more fragrant around us. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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Opening doors. That was my thing and still is. Whenever I saw older people, I would open and hold doors for them. A person with their arms full, I'd get that door. My reward of a thank you, or a smile, was good enough. Funny, now I'm old, getting close to 70 and I still grab the door for someone struggling. I used to lend people money, but stopped when I realized it never helped them and they'd come back asking for more. Very nice post, Twilight.
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Ahhhh.... I agree with your observation, Twilight!! Rewards come in many forms~~~ Hugssss
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Sometimes we feel that our life is so bad. But if we take the time to think about it, we realize we r very blessed. I know people who would think I was crazy for doing things I do. When I was working and saw this homeless man in a wheelchair. I would go to McD's for lunch and buy a food card every so often for him. Another man was walking from the store in the rain with bags and walker. Well I decided I should ask him if he needed a ride, if he wasn't going too far. I try and think there is some hope for acts of kindness. Maybe the world would be a better place.
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Very similar to the Pay it Forward idea.
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It doesn’t sound like your professor had ever practiced what they preached
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