Random acts of Kindness - take 2
About two weeks ago @krazykrista wrote a post on Kindness - Do something kind and then come tell me
That inspiring quote by Ann Herbert came to mind, and the more I thought about how I could do something kind, the realisation came that random acts of kindness has been a way of life for many many moons already. No great big acts, but simple little things that really make a difference in the lives of people.
What do I do to try and make the world around me a better place?
I met a wonderful 91 year old lady a couple of months ago, still very sprightly. She has a wonderful sense of humor, tells me that she is so stupid as she still has not learnt how to die!
She lives in a nearby retirement centre, so I visit her, take her shopping or bring her home for a visit.
Loneliness is a terrible companion.
This lady had to give up her car a couple of years ago, like we all will have to one day when the children decide we’re a danger on the roads! She however still had her little flat in the retirement village with all her friends nearby plus a telephone which was her lifeline to the outside world.
Then she became ill, required nursing in the frail care section, but recovered well and moved back to her flat.
One morning a family member arrived, and without notice moved her to a tiny little bedsitter far from her friends, with no telephone, so now she is totally cut off from her friends and family!
I made it my mission to get her old cell phone back in working order today and cannot wait to see her face tomorrow!
Many people who have touched my life over the years have been from all walks of life.
Some are strugglers, disillusioned with a life that’s dealt them a hard blow, perhaps of their own doing, or perhaps not?
Some are the well-heeled, also disillusioned and bored with life, wealthy by the world's standards, but poor in spirit.
How can one touch all these people with kindness?
Simple little things; hubby and I regularly buy airtime for some in the first group, obviously careful that they will not abuse this small act of kindness. The wonder on their faces tells a story.
I always encourage those unfortunate souls to use their talents for an income, draw up a CV for them, advise them on where to go to find employment, or place online adverts on their behalf for a service they can offer.
Everyone has a God given talent and it’s up to us to help those disillusioned people find their niche in life.
Teach them a skill, simple as it may seem, it perhaps can make a huge difference in their lives.
I was involved with a group that reached out to women, and ran a workshop on pancake-making as a small business venture. The ladies were amazed that they could do this themselves with very little start-up cost. We donated a basic kit to two lucky ladies who later started their own little venture. We advised them on some of the NGO’s that assist small businesses as well.
We all buy ‘things’ that we rarely if ever use; kitchen gadgets, DIY gadgets, far too many tubs of hand cream in the bathroom, books and magazines gathering dust. Blankets, clothing and shoes that lie wasted in our cupboards could keep someone else warm.
Find a shelter for the homeless, a retirement centre, children’s home or any other charity and donate those items you no longer have use for. After all, they say ‘one man’s rubbish is another man’s gold’, and this really is true!
How do we help those who have lost purpose in life?
With kindness and compassion you will rekindle their faith in humanity, a reminder of the good things in life, and thus bring out the best in all people.
Edit: I took the cellphone to my 91 year old friend and she was so happy to have a line to the outside world again, she can now make and receive calls with her old Nokia that she thought had died. It was so worth it! She really is amazing, looks about a decade younger and has an amazing sense of humour. Each time I visit she tells me with a twinkle in her eyes that she still has not learnt how to die :)
Wonderful story, people always overlook kindness. It's the small things that count and truly caring enough to help is a trait many people lack. Well done and thank you for reminding us to always be kind.
Thanks @jusipassetti, the world can be such a cold harsh place, and kindness costs nothing, even a smile from a stranger helps make the day a little better. Thank you for your support, appreciate it :)
@lizelle thanks for all the good feels...throwing some whaleshares (a whale vote) at this in the morning <3 good night <3
Thank you so very much @krazykrista :)
Must tell you, I took the cellphone to my old friend and she was so happy to have a line to the outside world again, she can now make and receive calls. It was so worth it! She really is amazing, looks about a decade younger and has an amazing sense of humour :)
The world could do with more giving natured people suvh as yourself. Abdolutely wonderful. Thank you @lizelle for being such a wonderful and giving individual :):)
Thank you @therneau, I do believe if we all do our little bit the world can be a better place, I know you & @jusipassetti do this, especially with that youngest fledgling of mine, so thank you for that!
@lizelle, thanks for sharing kindness. This is what we all have to do to make this world a better place for the future generation.
@seyiodus.
So true @seyiodus, we can all do our little bit to make it happen, thanks for stopping by :)
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