Love Your Neighbor
One act of kindness. Every day. For one year.
2/13/2011
kind over matter: The Kindness of Receiving with Brené Brown
In our culture we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into 'those who offer help' and 'those who need help.'
The truth is that we are both. In order to experience real connection, we need to experience both giving and receiving."
And, here I am... completely humbled by that concept.
I received a voicemail this week from someone at church. She said that she would like to talk to me about a donation that someone would like to give me. I immediately thought--"hmm, very nice, but I don't need anything" with a little bit of "since when did I become a charity case?!?!?" on the side. I called her back to politely and graciously decline the offer of whatever it might be. On the phone, she told me about the kinds of donations that they receive and how some people have specific types of recipients in mind. In this case, she was looking for a single mother with a daughter between the ages of 3 and 6. Suddenly I became more interested. A family wanted to donate a bedroom set. Guess what? LJ needs a bedroom set. And, just like that, I signed up for the receiving end of some kindness. They delivered it last night, and they were an incredibly beautiful family (plus one incredibly beautiful friend they brought along). After they set everything up, LJ had a little tea party for them. She also delivered about fifty kisses. I think she likes her new bedroom set!
And me? I got a genuine spiritual awakening.
Kind Regards (from a much more open heart),
Your Neighbor
2/09/2011
My Apologies
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
2/07/2011
Opinions
-Lori Deschene
I have met some pretty eccentric characters since I have been working at the animal hospital. Trust me, I have been forming opinions and sharing stories on a daily basis. And, I have to admit that some of them haven't been very kind. After sharing my latest round of observations at my nephew's birthday party last night and stumbling across an interesting blog entry, I felt the need to make some changes. Time to care more, judge less.
Today's act of kindness was to try to listen without forming an opinion. I tried, but I failed miserably. I still instantly liked some people from the moment they walked in the door. I still found myself rolling my eyes (mentally) at some of the things other people said. Maybe I'm interpreting the quote too literally, but I just don't think it's possible to refrain from forming an opinion about people. Or, is this just one of my character flaws? Hmm... I'm going to have to continue this exercise throughout the week. I'm not sure about it yet. At least, everyone got some stellar customer service today.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
2/06/2011
Abe Lincoln
Thursday's letter really made me stop and think-- what do I LOVE about my life? It was such a fun list to write: the smell of orange blossoms, starry nights, getting the urge to laugh when it would be wildly inappropriate to do so, finding money in a coat pocket, and so many more. I was sooooo happy when I found a five dollar bill in the bottom of an old purse the other day. That's what made me think of today's act of kindness.
I sealed the envelope and took it with us on our afternoon stroll. LJ and I walked up to the shopping center. There are a few shops to choose from, but I thought someone would be most happy about finding $5 at the thrift store. So, we left it on a rack, snapped a quick photo on my cell phone (just to add a little excitement to our secret mission), and walked out of the store.
As we walked home, I wondered if it would be considered a suspicious package. (It reminded me of the time that I left that book at the airport.) Hopefully, Abe found a happy home and someone else got to experience one of my favorite little things about life. Have a delightful day!
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
2/03/2011
A Thankful Girl
Today's package contained something extra special. It was a copy of a letter that her friend found tucked in a magazine at Barnes and Noble in December. "Dear Reader, I'm leaving this note for no particular reason, except to share with a complete stranger the things I love about my life." It was signed "A Thankful Girl." And, I'm sure you already know how much I enjoyed reading every word. It was sweet and honest and incredibly heartwarming.
I sat down and wrote my own love letter this evening. I guess LJ and I will have to go by Barnes and Noble tomorrow for a top secret special delivery into the magazine of our choice.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
2/02/2011
Cutting in Line
Hopefully I can deliver something a little more impressive tomorrow. Until then...
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor
2/01/2011
First Impressions
So, when Mr. Really-Gets-On-My-Nerves showed up with Blackie again today, I thought of my renewed interest in this project and I kicked up the kindness a few notches. This led to a lengthy conversation about his life. He was married to a "cat lady" who fed and cared for over 20 strays at the warehouse they owned. Blackie and three others came home with them and became their personal pets. His wife died last year. He doesn't have any family in the area... just the cats who he refers to as "his girls." Every Saturday night, he goes out for a steak dinner by himself, and he brings a piece home for the girls. And, if that doesn't break your heart, what will?
I'm really glad I gave him a second chance to make a first impression.
Kind Regards,
Your Neighbor