Kindness ~ A Most Powerful Weapon

I've seen, firsthand, just how kind people can be when you least expect it. But there was a time when I didn't think this true. There was a time when I thought people were just self-centered, mean, hopelessly callous beings. Not any more.

Not long ago, I found a dog, nearly dead from infection and starvation, who was in dire need of help. I wasn't in any kind of 'position' to do what I did, but I did it anyway. I just have this thing for critters. So, I called my darling Vet, told him what was going on and asked if he might be able to help. He knew my 'situation' at the time was not financially 'sound', but he, too, is a huge critter lover...so he said what I knew he'd say: "Just bring him in. We'll see if we can get him fixed up, and work on how to pay for it later." Oh yea. Kind to the core!

Doc went to work on Buddy and had to do a bit of surgery, along with some antibiotics for the severe infection that had traveled up his leg and then we sat down to discuss the payment of said medical bill. He told me to just pay what I could, as I could, and not to worry about it. His daughter, who also works at the office, suggested I write a letter,telling his story and provide a photo of Buddy, so that she could mail it out to all their clients. The clinic has been in our little village for a long time, and their practice is strong. So, I did what she suggested, brought it to her and she printed out a bunch and mailed them off. I also posted an ad on Craig's List, telling Buddy's story and asking for help.

Within a week, the money started pouring in. People gave what they could, ranging from $10 to $200, all with notes of thanks to ME for doing what I did to help the dog. I almost couldn't believe it! Within a month, 80% of the bill had been paid, BY OTHERS! Talk about KINDNESS!!!

So, here's the thing. Sometimes, we have to ask for help. We have to trust that people ARE inherently good. And we have to put ourselves out there...do the best we can and help each other in any way we can. The more I thought about all this, the more I was compelled to spread the seeds of Kindness. But how?

I came up with the idea to make "Kindness Cards". Nothing really mind boggling, just simple little cards to carry around with you to hand out and grow the flow of Kindness. Kind of the ol' "Pay It Forward" thing. Not a new idea, just a different method. Here's how it works:

Whether you make them yourself or get some from my site makes no difference. The point is to have them with you, at all times, so you can scatter the seeds of Kindness. On the cards, there's a little message that asks you to carry the card and whenever you witness an act of kindness committed OR you commit one yourself, you give the card to the person who's either committed the act or to whom it was committed for. You simply ask them to do the same. Not a huge task, to be sure. Easy as pie! And the best thing about it is, when you put those cards in your pocket, or purse, or up on your dashboard, you're going to REMEMBER to look for Kindnesses. You're going to be focused on the many kindnesses that DO abound. (oh yes they do!) And so you're going to ignore the 'evil' that may seem larger than the kindness that prevails in our world. In short, it's going to change your perspective! Cool, huh?

So, there's your seed. You get to do what you will with it. Kindness is a 'weapon' we can use all day every day. Are you wielding yours?