My colleague shared a wonderful story with us last week about her sister. Her sister had been at home all day with her sick child. When her husband arrived home, she went to get a pedicure to have a little "Me" time, and I am sure there are many of us who can relate.
As she slipped her feet into the bowl of warm water, the stream of water was diverted into her lap. Immediately, the staff brought her towels to wrap around her, as they put her wet clothing in their drier she continued along with her pedicure. The staff was very apologetic. They continued with their sorries during the pedicure. Her sister totally understood that these things happen and told them that everything was alright. She continued with her kindness and understanding, and at this point, she was reassuring the staff that everything was good and that she was happy and content.
A few minutes later, the lady sitting next to her, who had witnessed the entire event, slipped her sister a note. The note stated, "I don't know you- but so appreciate the woman you are. What an example you will be to your 1 year old! Your kindness and forgiveness are not found in many humans anymore. Have a great evening!"
Her sister immediately text messaged the incident to her two sisters and her mother. She thanked her mother for raising her to be the kind person she is.
In reflecting on this entire event, I realize that a person's actions are able to make or break a person's day. In this chain of events, everyone chose kind actions. Her sister chose kind actions despite the fact she was physically tired and emotionally drained from a day with a sick child. The stranger chose kind actions with a small action that reaffirmed the kindness always wins. My colleague chose kindness in sharing the story with us this morning.
Everyone is able to chose how they will handle a plethora of situations on any given day. The world is most certainly a nicer place when we choose kindness.
I think I will go put a cute notepad in my purse!
What a nice story. It makes me smile! It also makes me wonder about "the staff," those kind people who make their living by pampering others, who rushed with towels and kind words . . . Are they "nice" too? Or do we not think of them that way because of the job they do?
ReplyDeleteWhat a good point! I liked this particular story so much because everyone involved in the story was "nice"...not just my colleague's sister and the kind lady who wrote the note, but also the staff at the salon:)
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