I’ve covered a lot of heavy subjects lately. While I still have more to say about some of the harder parts of life, it’s time to take a brief break and talk about some of the good things. More specifically, the small kind acts that happen every day. That’s where everyone can have the greatest impact at making the world a bit better and seeing these gestures of love gives me hope for the future. Here are some of the small acts of kindness that make me smile.
- Moving to let someone pass by without being asked. This often happens in busy restaurants and other crowded places. It can involve someone taking a step to the side, leaning forward in their chair, or simply moving a wayward foot to make a bit more room for someone wanting to squeeze through a tight space.
- Two people who start talking at the same time, both stop, and each offer the other the chance to speak next. This seemingly small gesture suggests that each person is interested in what the other has to say and wants to be courteous. It’s also amazing how deferential each typically is toward the other, even when this happens during their initial meeting.
- A passerby offering to take a group picture of friends or family members having fun together. Despite timers, selfie sticks, and humans with long arms, it’s still pretty common for passersby to take pictures for big groups. Sometimes they offer and other times someone in the group asks them. Either way, it’s a kind thing to do that can leave the group with several nice memories from that occasion.
- Inviting someone to an event even if they might not be able to go. Everyone appreciates being included and thought about by those close to them. Plans can change at any time, so someone who is invited to an event but has prior plans may end up being able to attend if their plans fall through. Better to invite someone who can’t make it than refrain from inviting someone under the assumption that they won’t attend.
- A driver stopping to let one or more animals cross the road safely. I see this a lot in my neighborhood when geese and ducks hang out in the middle of the road. Drivers routinely either drive around them when possible or wait patiently until they move. Sometimes a horn is used, but that’s still better than hurting the animals due to impatience.
- Someone letting a passerby pet their beloved animal friend. This is my favorite entry on this list. I often ask to visit animals I see when I’m out and about. The answer from both human and animal is almost always “yes.” Occasionally the human will decline even if the animal is willing, and sometimes the human is willing while the animal is not. Once when I was waiting for a family member in a shopping plaza with my dog Sawyer, someone asked to visit with him. Sawyer and I both agreed. He told us how his dog had been given away while he was in jail and how much he missed him. I’m glad that Sawyer and I were both able to share in whatever joy he got from his short visit and sharing part of his story with us.