Acts of Kindness

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end – Scott Adams

Well it is back to school for me and all I can say is that it is a year like no other. Very different for sure. Back to school and back to writing my little nuggets of wisdom I love to share with you.

With all the noise of the outside world bombarding us day after day, one thing has been popping up in front of me; the kindness of strangers.

Life is not easy and so many of us have struggles that throw us for a loop. Yet sometimes someone does something that completely changes our outlook and often it is the littlest thing.

Although I have never posted myself, I have found myself looking (ok, stalking) TikTok videos (don’t judge). It is sort of an escape for me and you tend to connect with strangers you would normally never meet. One person I have been following is a young mother of five, Tia Bee Stokes. She has been battling Leukemia and posts positive and uplifting videos about her journey. She has over two million followers! She recently has been hospitalized with covid-19 and has been fighting for her life. Thousands and thousands of people have been posting videos sending prayers, love, and support. None of these people know her. It warms my heart reading all the posts. Here is a total stranger who inspires so many with her positive upbeat posts that thousands of people who don’t know her feel the need to let her know how much she is admired.

My town of Lexington has a Facebook page, The Lexington Mavens. For the most part it is an incredible group of neighbors sharing thoughts about things related to our town. Now I won’t lie, at times it can get a little heated when it comes to school related items, but for the most part it is an amazing group. No matter what you may need, there is always someone available to help you figure it out. A couple of days ago, someone in our group posted about our Food Pantry and that food supply was depleting. The next day someone in our town had 100 cans of soup delivered to the pantry. A random gesture of kindness that helps so many.

A co-worker of mine is struggling with health issues. Yesterday a slew of co-workers stopped by to decorate his house for Fall. A small gesture that just shows the love we have for him and hopefully just a little way of giving back. I have been a recipient of that kindness. When I was sick that same group of co-workers rallied around me to show me they care. Something I have never forgotten.

When I was sick, the outpouring of love and support I got from my school and town was overwhelming. I could never repay it – though I try anytime I can. My neighbor Mary took the train home every day right past Mass General Hospital. At least twice a week she would get off the train, pop in and say hello with an iced pumpkin coffee in hand. As you can imagine, hospital coffee does not hold a candle to my dunkies. A simple gesture that changed my days.

We don’t have to do big gestures to show kindness. Throw a rock in the river and it sinks down. Throw a pebble and you can watch the ripples. With our lives turned upside down right now remember that one small action can change someone’s day.