Kindness is Always Trendy

A man that lives in our community has won the hearts and minds of every dog and its owner.  He has set up an area in his driveway where there is a cooler filled with dog treats. Every dog that walks in the neighbourhood knows that this is their place to stop and get a friendly hello and a snack when they are out walking. It’s also become a fantastic way for this man to get to know all of his neighbours.

Every year, a woman that lives down the street, goes to the local dollar store and buys Santa hats for everyone that lives on her street and the next adjoining street over.  She walks these two streets and attaches a festive holiday Santa hat to the top of every mailbox and after the holiday season, she disposes of the hats. Everyone appreciates her kindness, regardless of their religion or holiday beliefs.

A couple of years ago, when my dog, Gretchen, was still alive but having some health issues, I was in the waiting room at the vet when a very distressed older man came. He wanted to know how much it would cost to have the vet come to his home to see his old dog and put the dog to sleep. His dog was really sick and could no longer walk, and the man didn’t want to move him for fear of hurting him but he knew the time had come to let his friend go.  When it was time for Gretchen to see the vet, I asked her to put his bill onto mine and not to tell him that I had paid for it until I was long gone. He had no idea who I was.

The media does a great job of making everyone seem unkind. We live during a time where many people are simply kind because they are seeking social media validation or recognition for their good deed.

My mentor and coach, Alan Weiss once said, “Hold the door for others, pick up the tab, let the person driving ahead of you into your lane and do it because that’s the kind of person YOU are, not because you expect acknowledgement in return.”

What kind of person are you?

Are you kind and generous or critical and overly reactive?

Whether in your personal life or in your business, a little bit of kindness without expecting anything in return goes a long way.

Try it, you might be surprised at the long-term benefits you reap. (Especially when you’re not looking for anything in return).

Leave a comment and let me know if you’ve experienced an act-of-kindness this holiday season.