It is the third day of the month and the second day of being under the covers and under the weather. As I nursed myself back to good health by resting, rehydrating, and reading, with my guilty pleasure of reality television thrown in for good measure, I got a heaping dose of good cheer from two friends in two different ways. Funnily enough, both kind acts involved beverages.
This morning, my doorbell rang, and I opened to be pleasantly surprised by the sight of one of my best friends standing there with a gift bag containing all the makings for mimosas. Just what the doctor ordered! As I sipped my orange juice laced with champagne and chatted and laughed with my fabulous friend, my body and mind received a much-needed boost. Only a true friend would take time to make a house call and risk contamination of germs to check on me and bring me some holiday spirits, and I appreciated it so much that he was there for me.
The next dose of good cheer did not involve me directly, but it still touched my heart. As I perused Facebook this afternoon, I came across the following status update from my very kind friend, Julie:
I have been feeling a bit down and stressed recently, and I figured a trip to Starbucks would help. A woman was walking in behind me, and she stumbled and seemed embarrassed about it. I bought her drink for her since that is something I’ve been wanting to do for someone, but keep forgetting to do. I was okay being anonymous, but the barista told the woman. When the woman found out, she came up to me and gave me a hug. She had just retired and moved to Louisville because her son is here, but she had been feeling homesick and lonely. It was so nice to have that human connection and to get out of my own head. That sweet woman told me I had made her day, but she actually made mine : )
This story made me smile big time for two reasons. One, because I think the world of Julie and absolutely could see her doing something so sweet for this woman. Two, because I know that such a kind gesture, like being treated to a cup of good cheer, can help turn a bad day into a better day. That human connection that Julie mentioned is one that is sorely lacking in today’s virtual world of texts, emails, tweets, etc., and whether we connect with a friend or a stranger, it is a reminder that we are not alone and that people do care about us. There are endless opportunities for each of us to look for those in our lives who need some cheering up, if only we open our eyes and hearts to notice.
Thank you to both Wood and Julie for spreading some kindness on this third day of December!
To pay it forward is the best feeling in the world.
I don’t know why, but seldom do I see anyone let people go ahead of them in the grocery line. If I have quite a few groceries, and someone walks up holding only a few things, I always smile and let them go in front of me.
While grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, I let a young man go ahead of me who only a few things in his basket. He thanked me, telling me he was on his break, and was hoping he would have enough time to pick up the last few things he needed for their Thanksgiving meal. I told him “no problem,” and we wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving, and parted ways.
To my shock, when I saw the total for my groceries, there was a $10.00 credit? I asked the cashier what the credit was for? She smiled and told me the young man gave it to her to apply to my bill, and to thank me again.
Well, yesterday I went to the store for a few things, the store was packed, and for the first time ever, the young lady in front of me turned around and told me to go ahead of her to check out! Wow, I was floored!
Yes, you guessed…….I handed the cashier $10.00 and asked her to apply it to her bill, and tell her thank you again for me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful story-love it! It is those seemingly little gestures which can make such a big difference in someone’s day, and it can trigger a wave of kindness. The world needs more moments and gestures like this, so, let’s keep making them happen! Hope to return to work tomorrow:)
Two good stories. Mimosas can cure most anything when dosed properly by a caring friend. The Starbucks story is just plain nice. Making someone’s day with a small financial, but large heartfelt gesture is very cool. Continue on your recovery. BTG
Thank you so much, as it is much needed and appreciated! I returned to work today, but I definitely could use the warm cheer, especially on a cold and rainy day:)
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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To pay it forward is the best feeling in the world.
I don’t know why, but seldom do I see anyone let people go ahead of them in the grocery line. If I have quite a few groceries, and someone walks up holding only a few things, I always smile and let them go in front of me.
While grocery shopping for Thanksgiving, I let a young man go ahead of me who only a few things in his basket. He thanked me, telling me he was on his break, and was hoping he would have enough time to pick up the last few things he needed for their Thanksgiving meal. I told him “no problem,” and we wished each other a Happy Thanksgiving, and parted ways.
To my shock, when I saw the total for my groceries, there was a $10.00 credit? I asked the cashier what the credit was for? She smiled and told me the young man gave it to her to apply to my bill, and to thank me again.
Well, yesterday I went to the store for a few things, the store was packed, and for the first time ever, the young lady in front of me turned around and told me to go ahead of her to check out! Wow, I was floored!
Yes, you guessed…….I handed the cashier $10.00 and asked her to apply it to her bill, and tell her thank you again for me.
(I’m glad to hear you’re feeling a bit better)
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Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful story-love it! It is those seemingly little gestures which can make such a big difference in someone’s day, and it can trigger a wave of kindness. The world needs more moments and gestures like this, so, let’s keep making them happen! Hope to return to work tomorrow:)
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Two good stories. Mimosas can cure most anything when dosed properly by a caring friend. The Starbucks story is just plain nice. Making someone’s day with a small financial, but large heartfelt gesture is very cool. Continue on your recovery. BTG
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Thank you so much; I am glad you liked both stories. I am so fortunate to have incredible friends who share kindness with others.
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I hope you are feeling better and I am sending you some warm cheer from New Zealand. 😀
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Thank you so much, as it is much needed and appreciated! I returned to work today, but I definitely could use the warm cheer, especially on a cold and rainy day:)
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