A Kid, A Tie and a Chocolate Smile -
Simple Acts Of Kindness

It was about a year ago on the steps of the local post office. I was having one of those brutal days, too much to do, lines everywhere and perspective a tough sell. The post office was no exception. After about 20-minutes on line, I finally had my turn and, business done, quickly fell into my New York stride.

Moving to the steps, I glanced up to almost knock over a young boy dressed in a blazer and tie. He looked to be about 8-years old an stood nervously offering chocolate bars for sale to support his school.

Old Habits Die Hard.

For years before, I came to see most anyone who asked me for money on the street in the same vain…pests, addicts and thieves. Yes, even the kids. Plants used by parents to solicit money for alcohol. Through a combination of fatherhood, yoga, spiritual exploration and the pursuit of a more conscious path, though, I have found my outlook ceding to a more compassionate inner voice. Less “why ar you bothering me” and more “who am I to judge?”

As I looked up at this young man, he smiled insecurely. Feeling like my karma needed a bit of zip and wanting to do something nice, I offered a dollar for a bar and a thank you. I was feeling pretty good about my deed and began to make my way down the short flight of stairs and through the glass doors ahead.

It only takes a moment to change a day.

As I approached, I noticed an older gentleman, gray hair and glasses, leaning on a cane and smiling at me. I thought this odd. People don’t make eye contact on the street in Manhattan, even old people. But, he looked so kind, I could not resist smiling back.

As I began to move toward him, thinking that would be the end of it, his smile widened to a grin and he began to gently raise his hand, pointing to the young man inside on the steps. “That’s my grandson,” he said, “thank you.” He stood positively glowing with pride at his grandson’s success. I nearly cried. Karma repaid so instantly. So small an act, so great an impact upon both giver and receiver in so short a period of time. In a smile, my day was transformed.

It’s the little things.

So often we save up acts of kindness for big occasions that create many layers of separation between the giver and the receiver. We donate to our favorite cause or give prizes for raffles. These are all wonderful acts. But, they are also sporadic and remote. They remove the opportunity to connect on a more regular, direct and powerful level.

Small, daily acts of kindness have power, often on a level of intimacy that is far more tangible and impactful than grand acts of giving.

So here is my simple challenge.

I wonder what might happen to the way you experience each day if you engaged in at least one simple, direct, deliberate act of kindness, no matter how small, every day for the next 30-days. Go out of your way to help a blind person across a road. Call your grandparents just to ask they are. Save your last bite of that luscious dessert for your partner. Give a buck to the kid selling candy for school, even if you’re not sure whether it’s true.

Give it a shot and, along the way, come back and share your experiences in the Comments section below…