When I was a little girl, I used to walk everywhere with my papa Jimmy. He was a Greek immigrant, who did not speak English well, nor did he drive a car. I am a very rapid walker thanks to him as my little legs had to keep pace with my papa. We would walk to the "little store" on the corner of Glenwood Road and Columbia Drive in DeKalb county Georgia. We would stop at the barber shop for a quick hello, or a haircut for papa, then go the the "little store" that was huge in my eyes. Papa was a very giving man of his time, generosity and kind spirit. Having a few treats, we would walk back to our house, hand in hand, me holding a small brown paper bag. I know it had to be at least a few miles to our home. I should check the distance one day. On our walk back, we would always see children playing outside. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, knew papa! Children, and adults alike, would run up and say their hellos, perhaps give us a few ripe figs from their tree, etc... To the children, much to their delight, a stick of the bright yellow, juicy delicious J U I C Y F R U I T gum! Children would sit, unfold the bright yellow wrapper and make some kind or original origami with the paper. A simple stick of juicy fruit gum from a pack that probably cost $.05. would bring smiles to faces. I've not had Juicy Fruit gum in years, but that was an act of kindness that was repeated every time we went to the store. So, with my friend's daughter, the sweet memory of gum, and the book, I started thinking.... That's it! One act of kindness or learn a new thing EVERY DAY.
So here begins my journey...
Day 1. It was my first day and I purchased the books with loose change in the bottom of my purse. It was $4.00 mainly in quarters. It was a win-win situation as the cashier needed quarters, and I wanted to get rid of the change. I did find some brand new pennies too. Still to this day, who doesn't like a new penny. I had to stop by the grocery store to see if they had something, and I "accidentally" dropped a few pennies where I was sure their sunny copper might brighten someone's day. "pennys from heaven" we used to say.
Day 2. Today, I found a book that I had on my shelf. It is a journal about what you eat, exercise, etc...with places to draw what is in your fridge, and other fun things to keep you amused. By the way, my fridge drawing "before" is quite healthy. Writing what I eat, may be difficult, but I did put ice cream and doughnuts (It was a teacher work day, and I'm a "team player" so I ate doughnuts!!!).
Day 3. Today, I had a "reverse" kindness shown to me! Our receptionist sent an email about a lost phone. I responded, "if you ever find chocolates, don't send an email, they belong to us". When I went to sign out for the day, guess what was in my mailbox? Chocolates from the receptionist. She made my day! I thanked her and told her how awesome it was! We shared a smile, grin, and giggle too. Smiles are always free, so if you can't think of something, start with a smile for others.
I already have some ideas of new things I want to try and learn.
