Small Acts of Kindness
What the world needs right now is small acts of kindness. With the craziness and uncertainty around us, with citizens acting in ways that seem frightening or don’t make sense to us, we need to stay centered. Start right where you are, in your own life and your own world. Pay attention to your friends, your family, your neighbors, and those you care about. Then bring small acts of kindness to the world.
Today I went to my dermatologist to have him look at a mole on my shoulder which was acting suspiciously. He entered the room, said a friendly hello, and I pointed out the mole. He immediately looked directly in my eyes and said to me “This is nothing bad, you’re going to be okay.”
This man understood that I was nervous and worried, and as soon as he could, he put me at ease. This was incredibly kind. He then proceeded to check me all over using his usual brand of humor, pointing out that the mole on my shoulder was right where my bra strap would be and he wanted to warn me that might be a problem. And so it went….
We shouldn’t underestimate the power of small gestures. A smile to a stranger, even through a mask, can make a difference. Holding the door open for someone, or having a friendly conversation with the checkout person at the grocery store can change someone’s day. Saying thank you when someone does good work, or writing a thank you note (and mailing it!) can have a huge impact these days.
I’ve been learning to bake during the quarantine and I find great joy in sharing these baked goods with family and friends. It’s personal, and hopefully delicious! Handing someone a piece of cake, or mailing a loaf of pumpkin bread brings me great joy and lets them know I care about them. (Perhaps not their waistline?!?)
Simple acts of kindness are transformative. Dr. Grisaitis was kind to me today, and it meant the world to me. When you do this yourself, perhaps leave out the bra jokes.
Tim Hinton
January 14, 2021
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