“Give everyone the benefit of the doubt today…” ~Lori Deschene, Tiny Buddha’s 365 Tiny Love Challenges
Introduction:
We often judge people based on their appearance or behavior, but the truth is, we never really know what’s happening in their lives. I learned this firsthand when my husband, Walter, was battling cancer. Despite my efforts to appear strong, inside, I was overwhelmed with grief and exhaustion. It was during this difficult time that I realized the profound impact small acts of kindness can have on someone’s life.
Table of Contents
The Unseen Struggles
During my husband’s hospitalizations, I spent hours by his side while juggling the demands of everyday life. I had to perform mundane tasks like buying groceries and putting gas in the car, all while feeling broken inside. Every interaction with the world felt challenging and surreal. I longed to break down and cry or scream, but I had to put on a brave face and navigate through life like everyone else.
Finding Comfort in Routine
To help maintain some semblance of normalcy, I established a routine during those difficult times. Each morning, I would stop at a local coffee shop for a latte on my way to the hospital. Strangely enough, I also developed a craving for banana cream pie during this period. So, on my way back home, I would stop by the pie shop near my house. These simple routines brought me some solace amid the chaos.
Small Acts of Kindness
Amidst the darkness, what remained etched in my memory were the unexpected acts of kindness from both strangers and friends. One morning, running late to the hospital, I found the coffee shop bustling with a long line. Feeling distressed, I mustered up the courage to ask the person ahead of me if I could go first. To my surprise, he not only agreed but also convinced everyone else to let me jump ahead. It may seem trivial, but that simple act of compassion dispelled my stress and made me feel supported.
The Power of Connection
At the pie shop, a woman on the evening shift took an interest in my life. As she packed my piece of pie, we engaged in conversation, and I shared a brief overview of my circumstances. That night, she handed me the pie without accepting any payment or tip. And from that day forward, she would always pack an extra-large slice of banana cream pie for me to take home. It may seem like a small gesture, but it meant the world to me. In the midst of my struggles, these acts of kindness filled me with immeasurable gratitude.
Leading with Kindness
These experiences taught me a valuable lesson: we can never truly understand what someone is going through. They may have received devastating news, lost a job, or have a loved one battling illness. That’s why it’s crucial to approach others with kindness and empathy, rather than taking their actions personally. Even in the face of everyday annoyances, I remind myself to take a step back, breathe, and trust that everyone is doing their best.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
A small act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone’s life. During one of the darkest periods of my existence, the kindness of both strangers and friends became a lifeline for me. Their support kept me going when I felt like giving up. Even now, I carry their memory in my heart, fully believing that acts of goodwill have a lasting impact that transcends time.
Remember, we never truly know what battles others are fighting. So, let’s make a conscious effort to lead with kindness and compassion. Together, we can create a world where small acts of kindness become powerful agents of change.
To learn more about the power of kindness, visit 5 WS.
