- HubPages»
- Health»
- Mental Health»
- Emotions
17 Ways To Be A Kinder Person
17 Acts of Kindness To Practice
We are all kindhearted (well, most of us are) and like to do kind things for other people. But sometimes we just can't think of anything to do. I've come to your rescue with 17 different ways to be a kinder person.Please feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments section of this hub.
How To Pay It Forward With One Kind Act At A Time
- Write a "thank you" note to someone who doesn't expect it.
- While driving, look for opportunities to stop and pick up litter..
- Pay the bridge toll for the car in back of you.
- Wheel in a neighbors trash carrier for them.
- Prepare a sack lunch for a homeless person and hand it to them as you pass by.
- Prepare homemade chicken soup for a sick person.
- Help an elderly person load grocieries into their car at the supermarket.
- Visit a nursing home, find out who has no family and spend time with them.
- Give a "grouch" a hug.
- Pump gas for the elderly and wash the car windows..
- Adopt a homeless pet instead of getting a new one..
- Notify police immediately when you see a pet left in a hot car.
- Donate unwanted goods to charity
- Purchase gifts to hand out at a childrens hospital.
- Donate your talent or time to a school or hospital.
- Recycle everything. There isn't much that can't be re-used in some way.
- If someone in line at a supermarket is short a couple of dollars, cover the amount.
He who gives when he is asked has waited too long.
~Sunshine Magazine
A Simple Act of Kindness
When someone extends a helping hand to us or does a good deed, we seldom if ever can pay that person back. But we can help someone else and when we do we are paying it forward. Now is the time to pay it forward and make a better world.
One afternoon as I was out doing errands I suddenly became thirsty, craving a diet coke. I was completely worn out and anxious to get home. Just up ahead I spotted a McDonalds and pulled into the drive-through ordering a small drink.
Waiting in line in front of me was a man in a "U-Haul" van picking up his order. As the driver of the van was paying for his food I noticed a wave and a smile directed to me as he drove out of Mc Donalds.
As I proceeded to pay for my drink, the young woman at the pick-up window also smiled and said "There's no charge. The man in the u-haul paid for your order."
Big deal? Some of you might be thinking "no big deal." But to me it was. It was a very big deal. That small act of kindness took me from a very tired and drained shopper to a lighthearted, beaming with energy person.
I will never see the man in the u-haul again. I will never be able to thank him. But I can "pay it forward." Another act of kindness to pass on to someone else.
Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. ~Norman B. Rice
Kindness Given Freely By A Complete Stranger
I didn't remember much after I hit the pavement. Somewhere, off in the distance I could hear a siren screaming. The voice of a woman softly telling me not to move and that help is on the way.
Another voice echoed, "Lift her head gently so I can make a pillow for her with my coat." I was so cold that even my pink sweatsuit and pink leather Ugg Boots lined with soft lamb's wool couldn't keep my body from shaking.
I would learn later that wearing those Ugg Boots was a big mistake. It seems that the emergency room had it's share of women experiencing nasty falls because of the way the soles are constructed.
All I could think about besides the pain coursing through my body was my little Shi Ztu. He and I were just beginning our walk in a nearby office complex with pebbled walks and green lawns. Somehow I tripped and down I went.
I pleaded for the kind woman kneeling next to me to keep my little dog safe. She was a stranger, but this kind lady was all I had. She assured me that my Clancey would be well taken care of and I was not to worry.
The sound of the siren became louder and in seconds I was being lifted into the ambulance. The kind lady was given my address as well as directions to my neighbors house and once more she assured me that Clancey would be well taken care of.
A Beautiful Example of Kindness
Laying in a hospital bed and hooked up to an IV, all I could think about was my little dog. Was he hungry, scared and confused? All I wanted to do was go home. The nurse came into my room and handed me the phone. "You have a call from the lady who helped you." Because both of my hands were a little banged up from the fall, the nurse held the phone up to my ear. It was like speaking to an angel.
She assured me that Clancey was just fine and at my neighbors house being looked after. She had went to McDonalds for a bite to eat and ordered a side of chicken and some water for Clancey. Then she drove over to my area and went door to door to find the right neighbor to take care of Clancey until I arrived home later that evening.
I thanked her for all she had done. I also found out that she lived quite a long distance away from me. She wished me well after making sure there was nothing more she could do for me.
She also called the hospital to check up on me several times during my evenings stay. I never saw or spoke to her again.
3 Simple Acts of Kindness
- Smile at people
- Say "Hi".
- Pick up stray trash
Clancey
Final Thoughts
I will never be able to repay the nice lady, that good samaritan, who stopped to help me when I fell. She went way beyond the call to come to the rescue of a perfect stranger and her little dog. But I can pass on what I have learned from her. I can pay it forward and make a better world.
The feeling of paying it forward is one of the best we can experience as a human being The reward is in the doing, in the act of giving. There is no thought of reward. There is no need to be thanked.
Find some inspiration and jot down a list of ways you can pay it forward. Consider more small acts of kindness that you can generate. Once you've learned how to do this, it will change your life. Charity is pure love.
expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.
~William Penn
Please Answer The Following Question
Which Of The Following Ways Do You Practice Kindness?
© 2012 Audrey Hunt
Comments
AUTHORPurvisBobbi44 ~ Oh, Bobbi - tears are filling my eyes and my heart is so full. I am the one who is blessed. To hear words like this is such a gift to me. I will keep this gift in a special place in my heart. ~ Audrey
Audrey,
An Angel wrote this hub, and her name is vocalcoach and she flies through the hearts of all her fans and I am one of them.
We are blessed to have you to share all your talents with us. I thank you from my heart.
Bobbi Purvis
- AUTHOR
CraftytotheCore ~ I just love this story! Thanks so much for sharing it. ~ Audrey
Dee aka Nonna ~ Hello! So good to see you here.
I'm glad you share a love of this quote with me. Hope all is well in your world ~ Audrey
Lenzy - Oh, thank you so much for sharing this wonderful gesture from your friend on facebook. Just a beautiful thing to do! Happy days to you, my friend ~ Audrey
Vocalcoach, I enjoyed your hub, including the video and links. Recently a friend of mine posted a neat post on facebook. Basically it said, "I am looking for 5 people to do something nice for this year. It can be anything from a post-card to making cookies. It will be when and what I want to do for you. My only criteria is that you post this on your site and are willing to do the same for 5 other people." I thought that was a great idea and reminded me of your hub. Lenzy
- AUTHOR
Audrey - You know, I never looked at it this way - giving another person an opportunity to do something kind - thank you my dear friend for sharing this. ~ Audrey too :)
Your final quote is one of my absolute favorites. I try to do little (or big) things for people all the time. Purposely "pay it forward" is something I will intentionally start doing. Very thought provoking. Thank you for writing and sharing it with the rest of us. Voted up and awesome.
Such great advice! When my son was around 4, a very elderly lady was in line at the grocery store in front of us. I would normally have my children in a cart at that age, but my daughter wasn't with us that particular shopping trip. So I let my son walk with me. The lady dropped money on the floor and was too frail to bend down and pick it up. My son picked it up for her and handed it to her. The lady smiled and said a quiet thank you.
As we were going to leave, a lady behind us gave my son an ice cream on her. She said that he did such a nice thing and she wanted to do something nice for him to show him kindness still means something in the world. I thought that was so sweet.
What a great hub! I am a big fan of the pay it forward thing--and while I am sorry you had your accident, it gave someone else the opportunity to do something really kind--best to you!!
- AUTHOR
Blond Logic - It's the little things that make a big difference isn't it? You are a giving and very kind person and it's a gift to me just to know you here on HP. Sounds like Brazil might be a good place for me to live. Thank you for sharing my hub. Enjoy your day ~ Audrey
This just highlights that 'kindness' doesn't need to be some grand over-inflated gesture. Simple things such as paying for someone's drink or just assisting some in need.
I have paid for people in line behind me at the grocery store. I'm not sure who felt better for it, me or them.
Here in Brazil, I see much of this. People who are considered poor, find other ways to help. People bring me plants, help me with my car, and generally pitch in to help a neighbor.
Well written hub. I'll be sharing.
- AUTHOR
Au fait - Hi there! Thank you so much for voting up, useful and sharing. It always makes me feel good to know that my reader really got into my hub. And you obviously did. Your comments are first-class. What can I say? I appreciate you :) ~ Audrey
These are all great ideas. I especially like the ones of giving a bag lunch to a homeless person and helping the elderly load or unload their groceries, visiting the nursing home or a hospital patient with no family, etc. Everything doesn't have to cost a lot of money to be helpful. Voted up, useful, and will share.
- AUTHOR
kenneth! So great to see you here and to read your wonderful comments. Thanks for the kind words. Gee...I rock! :)
I love this hub with a clear passion. Especially the photo of vocal coach and Clancey.
Your lists, tips, were spot-on.
If Christians would read this hub and put these things into motion, what a great place our world be.
vocal coach, you rock!
- AUTHOR
Bedbugabscond - I'm so sorry you had to experience this. This sort of thing doesn't happen often but when it does I just remind myself that the offenser needs kindess even more. (At least most do.) But don't let one person keep you from being kind. They lose, but you don't. Be more determined than ever. Something wonderful is in store for you!
After reading another hub about acts of kindness I started trying to do these things each day. Yesterday I did an act of kindness and then got kicked in the face (metaphorically speaking). I just took a deep breath and kept on going. It can be hard to pay it forward when there are people ready to tear you down! Arg.
- AUTHOR
Bravewarrior - There truly are good, kind-hearted people in this world. Unfortunately we don't hear enough about them. Most news is doom and gloom.
I love your comment about giving a grouch a hug. :) Thanks so much and sending you a hug!
Claudia - Thanks for your comments and for sharing your thoughts. We hear about so much negativity on a daily basis. It's nice to hear about a kindness right?
If a stranger paid for my drink I would be certainly uplifted!!! I do think it was a big deal, never happened to me (although a nice Australian man paid for my visa on arrival to Indonesia, he was totally wanting you know what, which makes it completely different). Kindness, when not expected, can be particularly effective in lightening up our lives and sometimes doesn't really cost anything. Nice experience sharing, thoughts and ideas for a hub.
This is a first hand account as to the goodwill that is still to be found in the human race. How very refreshing! I particularly love your tip of giving a grouch a hug. I think that would force a smile onto anyone's face! Great hub, Audrey!
- AUTHOR
marcoujor - I must remember to thank Leslie. Your kind words fill me with warmth and gratitude for being blessed with a friend like you.
I wish you the merriest of Christmas's and look forward to sharing a new year with you Maria here on Hubpages. Big hugs and much love - Audrey
Ah, Leslie shared this heartwarming, beautiful and loving piece that I had missed the first time around, Audrey.
Simply perfect... an inspirational and powerful read.
Merry Christmas to you and family. Love, Maria
- AUTHOR
I'mKarn23 - You and I were both blessed with a new friend during a "pay it forward" moment. Your accident must have been frightening. And to find a total stranger wanting to help and give comfort...well
Thanks for your praising my list of ways to pay it forward. And I so appreciate YOU and the good that you represent. Stay close. Audrey
Cathy Fidelibus - I just read your hub on "Coffee" and enjoyed learning the benefit of this drink. And thanks for being here and leaving a comment. Hope you are finding hub pages a wonderful experience. Keep up the good work!
I find this hub beautiful and inspiring. Thank you!
when you were lying on the pavement with only one friend in the world - i was right there with you! This brought back memories - big time - although i would never blame my beautiful, warm, fuzzy uggs for anything - i'm sorry that yours 'turned' on you..
mine was a amotorcycle accident - and my new 'best friend' was the lead ambulance driver - who was wonderful and stayed with me all the way until x-ray (against policy, but - i begged...lol)..and came to visit the next day bearing a teddy bear!
I absolutely LOVE your list of small ways to pay it forward every day! They're fabulous! I often wonder 'what can i do, what can i do?' and worry i'm not doing all i could - and these really help!
sharing forward and posting to HOW..
- AUTHOR
suzzycue - Thank you for sharing this very touching story. What a kind person - to give you a bus ticket. Just imagine what this world would be like if each one of us would give such kindness to one another. It takes so little to reach out to another person. Even simply helping a senior unload a shopping cart full of groceries and into their car can help so much.
You are a beautiful example of goodness. And I agree - it's a great way to live. Happy Holidays!
A great lesson is shared by you vocalcoach. It is always the small things that bother us but also the small things people do to help that also mean the most. This happened to me when I was on the bus to the mall and I had no idea that the fare had gone up 50 cents. I also use my credit card to buy everything so only had enough change for one way now. Then a stranger handed me one of his bus tickets and told me to have a nice day. You are right about how good it makes you feel that someone cares to show a kindness to an stranger. I never forgot this either and go about my day doing little things to pay it forward. I so like that way to live.
- AUTHOR
Dear Eddy - Thank you for reading my hub. I'm so pleased that you liked it and really appreciate the vote and great ratings. You are generous to share this too. And now, I will indeed, have a wonderful day!
Beautiful Audrey and I vote up and across plus share. Here's to a wonderful day for you.
Eddy.
- AUTHOR
btrbell - Such great comments! I thank you for them and for sharing your experience with the young man who paid for your drinks for both you and your son. Acts of kindess like this really do take us by surprise because they are so out of the ordinary. I'm so glad to find you here and looking forward to another visit from you very soon :)
AudreyHowitt - Hello my friend. Thanks so much for being here and finding this hub inspirational. My best to you!
tillsontitan - Well I still love ugg boots and if I haven't read your hub, I will do that soon. I LOVE the quote you left by William Penn. Hadn't heard it before. Thanks so much for the great vote and ratings. :)
So sorry your UGG boots caused you so much damage and pain! (I wrote a review on Uggs and didn't include that aspect.)
As for this hub, it shows basically we are all good. Little thinks in life are what make it worthwhile. Paying it forward is so easy and I think we do it sometimes without even thinking.
I think the Sandy Recovery is making it's own pay it forward movement and showing that William Penn is right, if there is any goodness we can do, let us do it now.
Voted up, useful, awesome, and interersting.
Such an inspirational hub!
What a beautiful story and simple but great ideas for paying it forward. Thankfully there are some amazing people out there. The woman who took care of Clancy for you was one of them. Strangely, ny son and I stopped to buy a coke the other day. A young man came to the register at the same time as us. He insisted on paying for our drinks. I was speechless. It was so unexpected and so sweet. Like you, the only way to repay it is to pay it forward! Thank you for this great read and beautiful words! I look forward to reading more of your hubs!
- AUTHOR
Ebonny - How I love your comments. I agree that it's always refreshing to hear about good things people do. Thanks for being here and thanks for being willing to hug that grouch :)
Cogerson - Your little girls must look adorable in their ugg boots. I still love mine - so comfortable. There are some amazing wonderful and very kind people that live among us. I want to be one of them. Thank you for your votes.
James - Hello my dear friend. Thank you for liking my ideas for paying it forward. And we can build a better world one person at a time. Bless you too my Brother. :)
I love your wonderful ideas for paying it forward. Let us build a better world one person at a time through one act of kindness at a time. God Bless You Sister! :-)
Your friend,
James
Love the Ugg boots...both of my little girls love their pink boots...so I of course thought of them when I saw your first photo....sorry your boots caused some stress in your life.
I am glad that Clancey was taken care of by such a wonderful person....a great story to read....and one that makes very happy to read that people like this are still out there....voted up and interesting.
With all the bad news we hear about nowadays, it's great to be reminded that there are these kind selfless people in the world around us. Reading this has brought a smile to my lips (plus I know just the grouch I am going to hug next time I see her!)
- AUTHOR
vox vocis - Wow - I'm so glad to see you here. Smiling from ear to ear. And what's more, I've a very strong suspicion that you are one of the kindest people on the planet. So glad you like my hub and will be by to visit soon. :)
Trinity M - What an absolutely beautiful act to do. I can't think of anything more giving than to take fresh flowers to someone in the hospital who has no family. I am very moved by this lovely, selfless gesture. You are a pure example of making the world a better place!
- AUTHOR
ChristyWrites - What a sweetheart you are! I so appreciate your support Christy. Your type are few and far between - so I'm keeping you close to me :) Thank you my friend!
Hello Nell - I feel so blessed and very fortunate that this dear lady was near and willing to help me. She was the only one in the entire parking lot at the time of my fall. I hope I can pay-it-forward someday in someway. I will never, ever forget her. Thanks so much, Nell.
- AUTHOR
donnah75 - You are so sweet to share your beautiful thoughts about the kindness in others. We really can change the world one kind act at a time. Thank you for reading my hub and for commenting. I will visit you soon donna!
oceansider - I will see the movie this week and thank you. As a child I was taught to do kindnesses for others. In doing so, it always made me feel so good. That alone is all the payback we need. I'm so glad you came by!
- AUTHOR
Dear rajan jolly - Your words are beautiful and have touched my heart.
You too, are a person with a loving spirit in you. Your actions mirror your kindness and compassion for others.
You are a marvelous writer and I wish I could just sit and read every hub you have authored. I am always deeply moved by what you write.
Our time is so very short here in this exsistence - we must seek any opportunity to help one another. Thank you for sharing this.
What a lovely hub and an inspiration for us all to do more for others. Sometimes life passes us by and we forget to stop and be present in the moment, by looking for opportunities to pass on random acts of kindness not only do we stay present we also make the world just a little bit better. Something I like to do from time to time is to take a big bunch of flowers to someone who is in hospital and has no family. Voted up and beautiful.
Oops! Looking at your list of acts of kindness, I realize that I'm not really that kind. I do practice my own acts of kindness and I'm happy when I can help someone in need. Beautiful hub :)
What an awesome hub! how lovely that the lady who helped you went on to find somewhere to keep your dog safe too, and of course the guy as well, yes you are so right, we should always go out of our way to help others when we can, and of course when someone helps us it makes us feel so wonderful, amazing hub, cheers nell
This really is one of my fave hubs of yours Audrey. I am back to share, this one needs a bump this weekend!
- AUTHOR
tipstoretirearly - I love this story. What a kind and thoughtful gesture. If each of us looked for opportunities like this, what a wonderful world it would be. How nice that you noticed this and shared. Thank you so much!
- AUTHOR
AliceFSpencer - What a wonderful story and such a special little boy. I really like hearing these kinds of experiences. You will never forget this. We all hear so much negative news - it's uplifting to hear about the good things that happen. Thanks Alice!
- AUTHOR
brakel2 - So nice to meet you Audrey (don't you love our name.) Call me anytime as I'd love to hear from you. I too saw the movie about "Paying it forward." This dear lady that came to my aid will forever be in my heart. My precious little Clancey had to be "put down" recently as he suffered congenital heart problems and could barely breath. That was very hard to do and I miss him terribly. Thank you for asking about him.
I'm very happy to find you here on wonderful hubpages and will be visiting your hubs very soon. Thank you Audrey! :)
Wonderful! I really enjoyed reading your article and I completely agree with you about "paying it forward"....and as I read this, with all the terrific things we can do to assist others, it made me think of the amazing movie, "Pay it Forward", with Helen Hunt....it's one of the best movies I've ever seen, and if you haven't seen it, you may want to check it out. Thank you for sharing this and take care! Helen
- AUTHOR
Fiddleman - Your words are well said. Obviously you are a "pay-it-forward" kind of man. One of the reasons that this comes through in your marvelous hubs!
- AUTHOR
Victoria Lynn - You, as one of hubpages finest, are payingit forward every day. You are consistently going above the call and returning your hub visitors with a visit and supportive message. This is no easy accomplishment. Thank you Victoria for your presence here on my hub!
- AUTHOR
K9keystrokes This kind and giving woman will forever remain in my heart as an example of the true meaning of "love one another." I appreciate your insight expressed in your comments and thank you for finding my Clancey cute. He passed away a short time ago and I miss him so. Take good care and be true to yourself. Thank you.
Oh my goodness, I have teary eyes after reading this hub. It is so wonderful when the good comes out of the people around us. Voted up and sharing.
Audrey, stories and accounts like these keep my faith alive in the goodness we have in us all. Somehow along the way of life dust has managed to accumulate on it. We need to dust off this dirt of being insensitive to others' need.
There are instances in the lives of each one of us when we have been helped by a kind thought, a kind deed being done without a purpose of gratification. It would be so much nicer to pay this forward as most of the time that someone who has done us good has not even waited to accept our thanks.
Wonderful hub, great thoughts and very useful list of ideas to perform a good deed. You are a kind lady indeed Audrey, it shows in your writings.
Voted up and all across. Shared these wonderful thoughts too.
I was recently walking in a big city when I saw a woman struggling to carry four large moving boxes from her car to a nearby building. A passing pedestrian stopped to help her carry the boxes. It probably took him only about two minutes, but it made her day much better!
This is a great story and just the other day I was really tired in Walmart with my two smaller kids my son asked to take my nook in the store and I thought it would keep him busy so we could grab dinner. At the check out he stood up in the basket and put the nook on the counter. Long story short the little boy in line behind me ran all the way to my car and gave it to me ~ I wanted to hug him but he ran away super fast I'm really thankful....Voted up
You sure are a popular lady with all these comments. Your story touched my soul. You tell stories well, and they are so easy to follow. I saw a movie about paying it forward. It was sad, so unlike your hub. I remember that you do training over the phone. That must be so interesting to meet all kinds of people. I may get in touch with you. I hope you still have that nice little dog Clancy, and thank God for that lovely lady. Happy writing. Regards, Audrey - from Audrey I remembered we have the same name.
Thanks for writing this wonderful hub, what a great message to spread! Glad you and Clancey are well.....Voted up!
Great hub. Simple acts of love require little but reap huge benefits to the giver and receiver.
I loved this! What sweet experiences! Is Clancey the dog that you recently lost? What a special little buddy. Loved this hub. It would behoove us all to do these random acts of kindness. I'm going to try to remember to do more! Thanks! I'm sharing this one!
How cute is Clancy! I adore the kind things in life and this hub personifies just that! Thank you for sharing your warm wisdom, Audry. My favorite one is "give a grouch a hug" it is all but my mantra!
HubHugs~
- AUTHOR
Dear midget38 - There's just something about you. I can feel your sweet energy and kindness through the pages of your comments. Wow!
What a feeling. Thank you and thank you again.
Squeesh - I love the word excellent, especially when it applies to one of my hubs. I always strive for excellence in what ever I do. Thank you for loving my hub, voting up and sharing it.
- AUTHOR
wheelinallover - I'm so very touched after reading your beautiful comments. You are a magnificent and giving, selfless person. I will go to your facebook page. Imagine - meeting an angel right here on HP!
Such an excellent Hub! Loved it, Shared and voted up.
Thanks, Audrey...kindness begets kindness....if only more of us see it that way.
- AUTHOR
Vellur - Isn't it amazing how kind a person can be? I will never be able to thank her enough for what she did for me. Thank you for appreciating this.
@cclitgirl - There are genuinely good and selfless people in this world of ours. I have been fortunate to have found one of the best without even asking. Your tender comments reveal that you are the kind of person ready and willing to "pay it forward."
@Rolly A Chabot - You have made me feel 10 ft. tall with your very kind and sweet comments. My purpose in writing this hub is to motivate others to think in terms of paying it forward...to give a helping hand and to be there for others. Thank you kindly and hugs back!
@wheelinallover - What a marvelous organization you have.
You "walk the talk" in providing protection and a place to stay. You offer a "hand up instead of a hand out." I love that! These women coming from abusive relationships and those that are homeless are so blessed to have found angels like yourself to turn to. Blessings to you for making a difference.
- AUTHOR
barbspitsnbpieces - (love that name.) I think you might be correct about "Paying it forward" comeing from the movie of the same name starring Kevin Spacey.
So glad you stopped by and I will be treating myself to one of your hubs. :-)
- AUTHOR
Sara Duggan - I like hearing what attracted you to this page so thanks for sharing that with me. It really is refreshing to hear about the good things that people do everyday. I thank you for commenting.
- AUTHOR
Dear Kenneth - Your comments were" music to my ears " which is a good thing, my being a vocal coach and all.:-)
I appreciate your letting me know how much you enjoyed my hub. That's all the pay I need. I will be visiting you soon and treat myself to one or two of your hubs.
Thanks for your friendship Kenneth!
- AUTHOR
Dear Jamie - Hello dear friend. Your comments are so beautiful. It is refreshing to hear about kind, unselfish deeds of others in today's world with such negative news surrounding us. I sure appreciate your vote up followed by the generous ratings. Wonderful to see you Jamie. Take care!
- AUTHOR
Hubert Williams - Hahahaha!!! Loved the last line in your comments. Very very clever. Really funny! You have made my day because I love to laugh and find the humor in life. Thank you so much!
- AUTHOR
pinkchic18 - Yes, there are kind people in this world. And I think we need them more now than ever with all the negative publicity and all.
This older gentleman offered to help you and just as you have said, even though you found someone else to give you a hand with that heavy item you purchased it's a happy feeling to experience someone's kindess.
Thank you for sharing your story!
This is a way of life for us. A few years ago I took in a woman who had just come out of an abusive relationship. Her and I together have been helping others out of abusive relationships and homeless people with children since. We now for the most part support two homes where we see the the needs of the locals. We occasionally take them in from further afield when it is in the best interest of the mother to be far from her abuser.
We offer a hand up instead of a hand out. The women need to know their life has value. They can choose to work for the corporation or volunteer at local schools and churches. Some do both. In reality we teach pay it forward by example. I still volunteer usually six weeks of the year, outside the corporate walls.
This was a great idea for a hub, we will be sharing it in our facebook group "Optimization Land".
Hi vocalcoach... this in itself is a great way to pay it forward as it speaks volumes to the kind of person you are. The many eyes who will read this will likely do something kind to another during their day. Great hub thank you for sharing this with us.
Hugs from Canada
- AUTHOR
sgbrowm - I tend to agree with on the subject of most people being kind hearted. The pace is a fast one. So much to be done and so little time to do it.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. And very nice of you to vote up and to share.
- AUTHOR
Audrey - You have added a very important point - to be kind to ourselves as well. It's often easier to be kind to others. I must admit I am getting better at being kind to me. Sometimes that means putting myself first.
As always, you bring great comments to the table. Thanks so much.
- AUTHOR
Will Starr - I know. That's how I was taught and thought nothing of it. These days it's a big deal when someone lends a helping hand. Thanks, good buddy!
- AUTHOR
mcbirdbks - Those pink boots are long gone and I'm still recovering from that darn fall, thank you. I'm an old duck and the bones aren't what they used to be. Working on that problem as we speak. Thanks for taking the time to visit. You're the best!
- AUTHOR
DFiduccia ~ Thank you so much for reading my hub and leaving me this uplifting comment. I need to be sure I'm following you. The best thing I could ever hear is that I'm a good samaritan. I will always try my best to be just that. I will visit you very soon!
- AUTHOR
ChristyWrites - How nice it is to see you here and to read your good comments. I will be visiting you real soon. A big smile is welcomed by everyone and as you have said it takes so little. Plus when we give a smile it connects with our "Happy Glands" and keeps us fueled for the day!
- AUTHOR
Melovy - You are one of those kind people who do so many kind acts of often, it's just a part of you. You don't realize how special your acts are. Here on hubpages, most writers are continually paying it forward every time they leave a comment. How about that? I really appreciate your consistent loayalty and never take that for granted!
- AUTHOR
breakfastpop = Thank you for voting up, beautiful and awesome as well as finding it inspiring. I agree that it's refreshing to hear about the good in folks as the media focuses on the bad. Speaking of good people, thank YOU for always supporting me!
- AUTHOR
Hi tammy - So glad you like my hub. We hear so much negativity about people, it's important to hear about the good in people as well. Thanks, my friend!
- AUTHOR
Dolores Monet - Those boots are now out of my closet for good. I will always be so very grateful for that nice lady and all she did for me and my little dog.
- AUTHOR
Hawaiiheart - You are so right. A little kindness does go a long way. And it does come back to you in one way or another. Plus it's one of those "feel good" times. Thank you for visiting!
- AUTHOR
creativelycc - That sweet lady that came to my aid deserves the best that life can offer. I will never forget her. Thank you for commenting. I love your last line which reads "Being kind lifts the burdens of life and gives much needed sunshine!". Very very true. Thankyou!
- AUTHOR
teaches12345 - I was so surprised to find that the uhaul driver had paid for my order. That is the first time anyone had ever done such a kind thing. I did experience a driver paying for my toll bridge toll when I lived in San Francisco. That gesture sure put a smile on my face and lifted my mood. Thank you my friend for commenting!
- AUTHOR
moonlake - I just go bullistic when I see a dog or child left in a hot car. I always notify security and wait until the owner is made responsible for such a terrible action.
What a nice man you came across to help you in your time of need. That nasty woman needs a wake-up call.
Thanks so much for your comments. It's great to meet you and I will be visiting your neck-of-the-woods very soon!
- AUTHOR
RedElf - Your granny was one smart woman. And until I read your comment I had forgotten that "casting your bread upon the waters" is "paying it forward."
You must have been close to your granny. What a blessing!
Thank you for bringing an additional touch of inspiration to all of us.
My granny believed in the "pay it forward" principal, but she called it "casting your bread upon the waters" - she taught us that we should always be ready to help without being asked, and that those random acts of kindness would someday come back to us from an unexpected source at a time when we needed help. Her expression was "Cast your bread upon the waters - someday it will come back to you."
This is a wonderful, inspiring hub! I think most people are kind hearted. The world has just become too fast paced, everyone is in such a hurry. I hope your message is contagious. What a wonderful world this would be if everyone would "pay it forward". Voted up and socially sharing. Have a wonderful day! :)
This hub has made me burst for joy in humanity. We really do have a good side! Sometimes the stresses of life get in the way and it's too easy to focus on the negative. But, I was nearly in happy tears as I read this. You also gave me some ideas. Thank you for writing this!!
Your hub touched my heart. A stranger helping withiout knowing who you are - kindest act ever. A great hub. Voted up.
@vocalcoach...This is so inspirational and certainly promotes the idea of "paying forward".
Wasn't that phrase started by an elementary child who was honored in a movie by the same name? It really is a powerful force for good when applied in daily life.
- AUTHOR
Dear b.Malin - Your comments are so true. And you know how scary a bad fall can be. Having someone there for you is so very comforting. I'm very glad to see you and wish you much joy. Thanks, my friend!
What an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it. When I visited your page I was drawn by the Uggs and Act of kindness title thinking it would be a list of things to do - your story is a great example of what is Right in the world.
Amazing what a small act of kindness does. I'm so Glad that your are all right Vocalcoach, I too have been there and done that kind of a fall. People, strangers, can be Wonderful... and when it's my turn, I'm hoping to do my part. Thanks for sharing.
- AUTHOR
lovesleftovers - Your comments are so kind and certainly reveal that you are kind as well. It isn't always convenient to stop and read a hub, then leave a comment.
So, I appreciate you and everyone else for doing such a kind thing for me.
And now I will pay it forward by reading someones hub and commenting. Thank you!
- AUTHOR
Maggs224 - I'm so glad to see you here and to read your wonderful comments. They are equally inspiring. I especially enjoyed reading about how a simple smile can change the mood of an individual.
It takes so little to share an act of kindness and as you have said it makes our day better too! Thank you and watch for my visit.
- AUTHOR
drbj - As always, your comments are a real treat to read.
About the grouch - I threw that in because of an experience I had in San Francisco. One sunny morning as I was walking through Golden Gate Park, I saw a man yelling obscenities to people passing by. Of course that was disturbing.
I felt impressed to approach the grouchy man and as I did, he stopped his yelling and stared at me. Without saying a word, I wrapped my arms around him and his tattered jacket and gave him a hug. He began to tremble and tears rolled down his cheeks. I continued hugging him and he began to sob. Evidently he had not been touched by another human being in a long time for whatever reason. I then ask if he would do something for me to which he answered yes - anything. Then of course I suggested that he never yell at other people again. Instead, sit down on the park bench and wish everyone a good day. I'll never know whether he took my advice or not.
Anyhow, that's my little story. The problem is, you are right about hugging strangers as we never know what may happen. So, I give you permission to blow a kiss. And while you're at it, blow one my way, dear, sweet friend.
Wow, vocalcoach,
judging by the number of comments, YOU are one talented person. And I know I admire your talent too. This was a truly enjoyable read. Cheered me up. "One kind, obscure act in the east will ultimately affect an event to the west," an old saying I picked up. VOTED UP and all the way. Glad to meet you on Hubs. May you continue to touch lives with your amazing talent.
Your friend,
Kenneth
137