"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Mahatma Gandhi
I randomly stopped at the bagel shop today after dropping off the kids at school, because I was craving a doughy, buttery bagel (more on deconstructing cravings in another post)... as I was ordering, the person behind the counter said "Morning" with a warm smile. I politely smiled in return, saying good morning, and went to get my coffee. A minute later when my order was ready, he threw in an extra muffin and said, "For later"! I thanked him again for his kind generosity, and smiled on my way out the door. As I was driving home, I heard 2 "heart-warming" stories on the radio morning show of other acts of kindness, and it got me thinking about how small, easy acts of generosity can truly have an impact and change someone's day for the better.
After seeing so much hate and violence in the media and on the news, these small acts of kindness have taken on more significance lately. It's like the mission behind IIN which consists of spreading the ripple effect of good health. Similarly, there can be a ripple effect of kind acts. This week, I will pay it forward to a stranger. I don't know how or when or where, but sometime over the next few days, I'm sure I will be presented with an opportunity that I will act on, and I will think about how a small, generous action will help make someone else just a little bit happier.
I also think talking about these acts of kindness are important so that others can benefit, just as I did, and be inspired to act themselves. As Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." It's true - if we want the world to be a happier, healthier place, it has to start with us.