Be Kind

This has been weighing heavy on my heart as of late. If my kids only learn one thing from me, I hope it’s kindness. (Because it sure isn’t gonna be athleticism or music.) I think this world could be a much better place if people were kind to one another. And not just random acts of kindness, but meaningful, intentional and genuine acts of kindness.

I work in customer service and I know, I know, how difficult it is to be kind when someone is yelling at you. Or cussing your out. Or telling you you’re incompetent and your children are ugly. Believe me, I get it.

But at the end of the day, I need to feel good about what I’m putting out into the world.

Last night, I was at Nordstrom picking up a pair of shoes I had sent out for repair. I realize that that last sentence makes me sound like a spoiled brat. And I know what you’re thinking: it’s so much easier to be kind when life is going great. But let me clear the air. The repair was minor and cost less than $10. And the shoes are my worn-down-to-the metal Jessica Simpson pumps that I bought 5 years ago on eBay for $40.

And I was having a day. I’m behind at work, stressed about finances at home and about to start my period. Yay me.

Anyway, I go into Nordstrom to pick up my shoes and a nice sales guy helped me out. He showed me my shoes and the repaired heel and asked if they look okay. I replied yes, considering that the last time I saw them there was metal sticking out at the bottom, they looked great. Then he proceeded to wrap them back up in a bag and told me they were on the house. Free of charge. I argued with him and told him I wanted to pay but he refused and that he’d seen me in the store frequently 🙂 and he was more than happy to do it.

I get that as an employee they probably get this stuff for free all the time. But after the day I’d just had, it was like offering me $100.00. Or a new car. Or a full on Friends Reunion episode.

It meant the world to me and I had to bite my cheek so I didn’t start crying.

After I left, I went to the coffee bar and while standing in line a thought hit me: I should buy him a coffee. Sidenote: it’s actually really hard to buy coffee for someone you don’t know. Iced, hot, sugar free, no foam, soy? Coffee is personal. So I ordered 2 drinks, both of which I liked, and decided I’d let him pick.

With my drinks in hand, I headed back to the shoe department. He looked a little surprised to see me. Maybe even a little scared at first. I’m sure the words “Stage 5 Clinger” were rolling around in his head.

But I quickly explained I had had a really bad day and he was so kind; it had made my whole day turnaround. And I just wanted to say thank you. Luckily one of the drinks I had picked was a winner; there was no hesitation when I offered it. 🙂

His whole face lit up and he said, “Now you’ve just made MY day!”

Seriously. Isn’t that what this is all about? Hopefully this will inspire some kindness in you today too. Now go and pay it forward!