Why Am I Starting This Blog, An Introduction

Who am I? I am someone who often appreciates the kindnesses of others. I wish I could say “ALWAYS appreciates the kindness of others” but I am not always paying attention. Sad to say… So, let’s set the stage by being honest.

I will start with a recent story. Earlier this week, I was outside doing some photography and a kind person walked over and showed me how to best photograph what I was seeing. Even better, she offered to take my photo in the scene as well. In my haste to get more photographs, I forgot to ask her name. I did thank her for taking my photo. I probably also should have added that it made my day. It was such a simple thing but it delighted me. She didn’t have to do that. She had her own camera set up and could have easily ignored me altogether. In fact, she could have chewed me out entirely, as my auto lights were messing up her photographs. She could justifiably have been UNKIND. Instead, her small kindness made the whole event more fun and more memorable. I left beaming, for a number of reasons.

As I reflect on that event, extending kindness is often like that. It makes the moment more enjoyable and more memorable for both the giver and the receiver. For just a moment, we shared something in common – a real connection, however fleeting. Is that cool, or what? I’ll insert the photo she took. Thank you, kind person!

I hope to post my thoughts on kindness once per week. My posts may include a story, an idea, or maybe just my random thoughts on kindness for the week. As all things are, it’s a work in progress.

I’d like to leave you with something I am going to focus on for the week – holding doors open for people. It is a small thing, but I always appreciate when people hold a door open for me, especially if I’m struggling with an armload of packages or bags, wrestling with my coat, or the door is heavy. It doesn’t cost anything but a few seconds of time. So I will be considering kindness by looking behind me or ahead of me to see who might appreciate the same this week!