What also happened was, I struck up an insanely interesting conversation with the store clerk about cinematography. Truly awesome. Why? Because it took nothing away from me to be kind, to engage socially with this person, to learn and exchange.
We tend to go through life without noticing those around us...being so focused on ME, what I need, what I want, that we get totally cut off from life. What a sad day indeed. Kindness is a free gift, which keeps on giving, and will ultimately be returned to you.
No one could know a stranger's heart or thoughts, but a smile, a kind gesture might save a life. The saddest thing of the modern society to me, is apathy, people not wanting to get involved, fear of added responsibility..the list goes on.
Let me ask then, were you put on earth to serve yourself, to gratify only your own every wish and desire? If you answer yes, then do not cry to the heavens, asking why the world is in the state it is in...it is what it is because people have stopped caring. Ego is more important than caring for others. It starts revolving around I, instead of US.
I firmly believe that once you give, with an open hand, instead of a hand that immediately closes again...you will be rewarded beyond measure. Giving is fulfilling. You do not have to be rich to give. Give kindness, give a little of your time, give love. If you give these things, they will be returned to you, in mind blowing ways. Why? Because if you do unto others as you would like done unto yourself...that is how it ends up being.
When I was still in school my mother used to tell me my best trait is my kind heart, my worst trait is my kind heart. I never fully understood this. Looking back though, I understand. I tried to save everyone, take everyone in...and it is exhausting beyond measure. As a friend of mine so aptly put it, you should be kind, not naive. This does however not mean that you can blow people off, on the contrary, care, love...but balance it. Never lose yourself, because if you do...you can no longer give anything positive into the world.
When I leave this earth, I want to have given as much and as often as I could. That, I think, is true fulfillment. Will my tombstone read that I was a greedy old hag? NO :) How we act today will dictate the legacy we leave behind tomorrow.
Most importantly though, be kind to yourself. Treat yourself well, since, if you treat yourself well, you set the trend for how others will treat you. Be good to your heart, your mind, your body. Balance yourself. If you lose balance, you will lose yourself. This is tricky, I admit, but nothing is impossible, I'M POSSIBLE.
Once you master the art of balance...and you are kind to yourself, you can give yourself to the world...and it will be one of the greatest gifts ever received.
In Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, a little conversation transpires which beautifully sums up my thoughts:
Norah: "It reminds me of this part of Judaism
that I really like. It's called Tikkun olam.
It says that the world's been broken
into pieces...and it's everybody's job to find them
and put them back together again."
Nick: "Well, maybe we're the pieces,
you know? Maybe we're not supposed
to find the pieces. Maybe we are the pieces."
Challenge yourself and be kind, genuinely kind to at least one stranger, every day this week...and by the end of the week...see how that feels.
that I really like. It's called Tikkun olam.
It says that the world's been broken
into pieces...and it's everybody's job to find them
and put them back together again."
Nick: "Well, maybe we're the pieces,
you know? Maybe we're not supposed
to find the pieces. Maybe we are the pieces."
Challenge yourself and be kind, genuinely kind to at least one stranger, every day this week...and by the end of the week...see how that feels.
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble." ~Charles H. Spurgeon
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