Tag Archives: choose kindness

Feb8

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Coffee

Posted on by
Standard
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Coffee

Hello! I wanted to share a little story that happened to me a week or so ago. My beloved downstairs neighbor unfortunately fell and went to a rehab center after he was released from the hospital. I visited in both locations as often as I could and when I had a fully open morning I brought us coffee from Starbucks with one of my Christmas gift cards. Two venti iced coffees were the move and I didn’t even sip on mine in the car as the drive over was short. As I carried some extra supplies for him and our bevvies into the rehab center, I thought how badly it would suck if one of the drinks spilled. I suppose I must have manifested it because that is exactly what happened. SMH -_-

As I set down the drinks to sign into the center, one of them toppled over and it was like it happened in slow motion while I experienced the deja vu of what I just thought. I was happy it was my coffee that spilled but not so happy that it spilled everywhere. The reception desk was hit but it was primarily on the ground. After the coffee catastrophe, I could legit not apologize enough to the receptionist and she was SO unbelievably kind. As we both cleaned up the spill together, I was sure to tell her so and then she told me a story that went like this…

While shopping at Aldi, she accidentally dropped a glass jar of pasta sauce that shattered everywhere. She didn’t want to just leave the spill and a kind person in the aisle found an employee and they all cleaned it up together. I told her that she was the kind person in my own spill scenario and I could tell how happy it made her. My oopsie daisy probably happened right when her shift was starting and instead of it messing up her day, she wished me a better one. She also lamented over how sad it was that I didn’t even get a sip of my caffeine and I really appreciated that because it sucked just as badly as I imagined it lol.

All of this is to say that the nice receptionist paid forward the kindness that someone else gave her during her shopping trip and we can all learn from that. The world is a scary place right now and I think everyone needs all of the kindness that they can get. Even things that you think are little can be so helpful so pay someone a compliment. Hold the door open for someone. Bring a coffee to your coworker. Or simply listen when someone is having a bad day or has something on their mind. Whether you are helping someone mop up spilled coffee or bringing your neighbor a plate of dinner you cooked, it all makes a difference. Thanks to my receptionist hero’s bright attitude, this turned into a situation that wasn’t worth crying over spilled coffee. (Maybe only slightly internally!) Rather, it was a great reminder to keep the kindness going to the next person I encountered. ❤

Everyone has the power to turn someone else’s day around. Use it liberally and the bright side of life shines through!

Have you had any oopsie daisies recently? How did you fix it? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug13

Ways To Help Out A Loved One In Need

Posted on by
Standard
Ways To Help Out A Loved One In Need

Hello!! This past week has been an awful, stressful time for yours truly. And, let’s be honest, these past couple of years have been an awful, stressful time for everyone. COVID, losing your job, and inflation are enough to make anyone go crazy! In times like these, we all could use a helping hand and these are some of the things that I have been implementing in my own family over the past week and change:

Cook A Meal:

When a crisis arises, one of the last things that people think about is having a home cooked meal. There’s nothing wrong with takeout or fast food but nothing hits quite as much as a meal made with love! Someone struggling could really use a good meal so why not bring one over? You could provide all of the fixings for a spaghetti dinner, tacos, or any of their favorite dishes. A meal that has plenty of leftovers is also one that will be much appreciated.

Clean Up:

Another thing that falls by the wayside during difficult times is housework. We all know that a cluttered and unclean environment can make things even more stressful and it is so easy for all of the household chores to start piling up. You don’t have to give a Merry Maids level clean but doing the dishes, taking out the trash, or the dreaded cleaning of the bathrooms will give the person you’re helping one less thing to think about.

Pet Care:

Pets definitely know when something is up because it effects them too. Something as simple as taking the dog for a long walk, playing with the cats, or cleaning cages can be a huge help. You can also keep an eye on their supply of food and replenish it as needed so they will never go without.

Spend Some Time:

Someone going through a lot will surely benefit from just having you as company. You could lend your ear, be a shoulder to cry on, or simply be around and not talk at all. Things like watching a funny show, doing a puzzle, or playing a game can provide some much needed relief when their focus is shifted to something else for a bit.

From big gestures to small, all of it will be so very appreciated. Please keep my family in your thoughts. ❤

How do you provide a helping hand? What helps you to feel better? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec10

Sweet Surprises: Starbucks Drive Thru Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Sweet Surprises: Starbucks Drive Thru Edition

Hellooooo! Once Starbucks busts out their seasonal drinks during the holidays, I have to stop by at least once or twice (or ten times) to get a Peppermint Mocha. It is my absolute favorite drink from there that isn’t iced coffee and I can feel myself getting more into the holiday spirit with each sip of essentially caffeinated hot chocolate.

About five years ago, a Starbucks opened up right down the street from me and it was pretty much the best thing that ever happened in my neck of the woods. The convenience is, obviously, amazing. But, what I love most of all are the delightful employees that work there. I have made many friends via the neighborhood Starbucks and I think it’s safe to say that I just made a new one during my last stop at the drive thru. Check it out:

AE10CE71-CC25-44B4-96B7-D40841B8F1E6

When I was younger and to this day, I love running errands with my mom. One of the big things that I can remember in my youth is how my mom made an effort to talk to the employees that were helping us. Whether it be chatting about their day or offering a compliment, I could always tell that the workers felt happy after talking to my mom and that inspired me to follow in her footsteps. Why not make someone’s day with a few encouraging words? When I worked retail, I was so appreciative of the customers who would go out of their way to talk to me so I know first hand how good it feels to have someone be kind while I was on the clock.

The past few times I went to the Starbucks drive thru, the same guy took my order and he was so nice – not just to me but to all of the customers. When he asked about my day, I could tell he was genuinely interested and it was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t not say anything and I let him know that he has made my day every time I stop by and that I really appreciate it. When I received my drink at the window, I was informed that there was a little note on my cup:

5FF47ADA-54B9-4D61-9DCE-F6EA2C31B32A

How sweet is that?!

Whenever you want to say something nice to someone, just say it. You have no idea what that person could be going through and it might help turn their entire day around. I was in a great mood all day from just one kind gesture and I think my new friend had a better day for it, too. The world needs more positivity right now so spread it in any way you can. As you can see, even the smallest things are super effective! ❤

What was the last Random Act Of Kindness you made? How do you like to make someone’s day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep6

Choose Kindness

Posted on by
Standard
Choose Kindness

Helloooo! It seems like all one needs to do is turn on the news for a scary story to tell in the dark. Shootings, political unrest, and unthinkable crimes play on a loop and it can make this world feel like a terrifying place to live in. It seems like there is just no kindness left and it is something that we all need reminded of from time to time to take it upon ourselves to improve. That is why I am so happy that my mom picked out this amazing shirt for me that she found at a recent trip to the farmers market. Check it out:

kind1

My mom is the queen of sweet surprises and she picked out this shirt for me for a number of reasons like my love for learning languages, my work with people with special needs, and the fact that a friendly reminder never hurts. It is easy to get so wrapped up in your own problems that you don’t realize you might be coming off as rude to the people that you encounter throughout your day. And, with a kind word or gesture you have the option to completely turn a stranger’s day around as opposed to ruining it for them with a snarky comment or letting the door slam in their face.

Choosing kindness takes practice, as it seems to be second nature to always look out for yourself. But, once you get the hang of it, it becomes something that doesn’t need thinking about anymore. And, remember – you have no idea what a stranger is going through, so don’t make things any worse for them. Choose kindness today and watch the world around you change for the better. ❤

How do you choose kindness? What are simple ways to make someone’s day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah