Beyond the Now

I have just returned from a trip to Ireland and found myself touched daily by simple kindnesses offered by strangers. It made me realize how meaningful these small gestures can be—and the difference they can make in our lives.

One particular memory that comes to mind involves the help I received when my puzzled expression clearly revealed that I was lost. Several times, people simply walked up to me and asked, “Can I help?” And whenever I asked for directions—whether from a young student, maintenance worker, professional, or older man or woman—the help was always given warmly and with a smile. One professional woman, on her way to work, even changed her walking route to personally show me the way.

Then there is the issue of a lost wallet or personal item while traveling. Usually, panic sets in as we imagine credit cards being misused and the exhausting task of changing bank information and replacing important documents. While we occasionally hear stories of wallets being returned intact, we often think of them as the exception. Yet during our trip, when a member of our group experienced just such a problem, every lost item was returned gladly and honestly.

I have been fortunate to visit many countries and have enjoyed something special about each one. But this trip especially reminded me of the quiet power of simple kindness.

It also made me stop and think about the difference each of us can make in someone’s day through the smallest actions: holding a door open, thanking a hard-working employee, offering patience, or simply sharing a smile with a stranger.

Kindness is rarely planned. More often, it quietly appears in ordinary moments and offers us the opportunity to brighten another person’s day.

Takeaway Thought:

Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness leave the greatest impression long after the moment has passed.

— Beyond the Now

Margo Ewing Woodacre, MSW, is a writer, former caregiver, keynote speaker and support group leader exploring life transitions, identity, and resilience. Her latest book, Crossroads: Reclaiming Identity When Life Changes Everything explores these transitions more deeply.

Visit Margo @ www.Margo360.com