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December 9, 2009
WE CHALLENGE YOU!
We thank everyone who participated in the 12-days of Christmas Challenge! What an awesome blog roll we have going. Now it it time to continue it, make it a habit, and make kindness a lifestyle.
Continue your Random Acts of Kindness and please keep posting them here. Posts can be via text or video… Pictures a plus also!
We can change the world, one kind act at a time!
Pass this on to everyone you know… Be part of something bigger than yourself.
Do Good – Feel Good!
PEACE!
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12/9/09 My boss and his wife offered to drive me home in the Huge Snow storm in the opposite direction of their home more then 30 miles north, so I would get home safely. My family and I are very great full to them for doing so as I am terrified to drive in the snow after someone drove into my car last winter. Sending me to the hospital and weeks of recovery time.
Thank you so much Adam & Elaine for your kindness enjoy the truffles
Tara ~ Plymouth, NH
And if they do not want the truffles, send them to ME!
An acquaintance of mine ran off the road during this week’s snowstorm. He was about 20 minute south of my location. I decided to drive down and pull him out… In the driving snowstorm, I piloted my truck down the road over icy roads to help out a friend! We were both soaked, but in the end, we both ended up back at work safely….
During a typical New England snowstorm yesterday, a young woman from another business in the area (that shares parking with our business) got herself stuck in a snowbank, as the entire parking area had about 8 inches of snow and the plow had yet to be seen …. so I (and two other girls out cleaning their cars off too) managed to pull together and push her out … girl power is great! She was sooooo happy to be on her way
This morning I was driving down the mountain in which I live. The same road I drive down everyday. An elderly man I do not know was standing at the end of his driveway looking very sad and lonely. I slowed down my car – rolled down my window — (yes I still have roll down windows — hee hee) and waved and smiled huge. He picked his head up – and started waving so happily – he would not stop waving and he laughed and smiled. Tears filled my eyes. Today we both brought each other joy.
As we waited for the baggage at the airport last night, a woman with a wheel chair asked if I would help her with the two large bags she had… Of course, I graciously obliged. She was very thankful, and happily went on her way.
“The ideas that have lighted my way have been kindness, beauty and truth.” -
— Albert Einstein
When I was last in New York I was riding the subway and witnessed a guy dressed in complete gang regalia, get up out of his seat so an older woman could sit in his seat…nothing said just a nod of his head. I will always remember him and his kindness.
Today at the store while shopping for office supplies a woman approached me with her cart and a very hyper dog sitting in the shopping cart. She was a woman short in stature compared to me. “Can you reach the tape on the top tier for me?” she asked. As I was getting the tape for her, her dog jumped out of the cart and jumped up on my legs. His muddy paws put mud all over my cream colored tights. She was so upset and could not stop apologizing. I smiled and told her it was no problem. Their are bigger things in the world to worry about than soiled leggings. We both laughed:)
A very pregnant colleague asked if anyone would take her lunch duty, as her doctor advised her to limit standing as much as possible. I volunteered even though it took away some of my planning period. The students at lunch are kindergarten and 1st graders. Since I teach older students it’s been a joy to be with these little kids. I’ve never zipped up so many jackets and pulled sleeves over so many mittens in a 15 minute period that I have this week. Best of all, I always get a smile and a thank you.
Sounds like you had a great day!
I’ve been unemployed for a little over a year now. Still actively looking for work in my field, but as it is construction related, there is not much out there. I am however grateful that I have my family and a place to call home. I’ve historically donated blood perhaps once a year, but I recently decided to begin routinely donating platelets and plasma as there is a greater need for those components and can be donated at a greater frequency. I’ve donated 8 times over the last 12 months including a split (double) platelet and plasma donation yesterday. I plan to donate once every month next year. The supply of platelets is important as they are given to cancer patients and they have a short shelf life. Plasma is used for trauma patients. Please consider donating at your local blood center.
Beautiful!!
Thanks for people like you Brad! I’ve tried to give blood, but always chickened out, I wish I was braver.
Karla, believe me, it doesn’t hurt….maybe for a split second you feel a pin prick, that’s all. You’ll be so glad you overcame your fear and were able to help someone. If you want a companion to go with you, call me….we’ll do it together. 949-494-0294.
Thank you for doing this!
Brad you are an angel! Thank you so much for posting this and sharing your heart with us. It truly touches my soul. I can see what a difference you make helping people who will never know who you are – giving with total autonomy – they will never know the person that cared enough to do something that perhaps saved their life. That blows me away. Thank you!!
Brad….thanks for reminding us all about the very simple, easy and enormously important thing we can contribute….our blood. I promise to do this before the week is out. Thanks!
Clarity Quote of the Week on The Jennifer Crews Show
The sun never says to the earth
“You Owe Me”
What you can do with a love like that
It lights up the whole—Sky!
~Anonymous
Yes!!! Count me in…in essense, perhaps this is the best way to give! Starting with the Holiday Season-a great game worth playing.
I have nine bags of clothing gathered to donate to folks in Mexico, my friend Leslie will be taking a truck load to give away to those in need and are willing to receive…
Renada, that rocks – thank you so much for playing this game with us!! Do you think Leslie would be willing to video tape herself taking them down so we could post it on the blog? It would be so inspiring…
My random act of kindness today was giving two twin comforters to a homeless man and women on Main street.
The gift of warmth could very well be also a gift of life during the winter… I would love to send you a signed copy of one of my books!
What a great great idea!! When so many of us are not able to do Christmas the traditional way this year because of nearly impossible financial situations….this is the solution! Thank you! Much Love and Blessings!
This is difficult Christmas because my husband I are separating and we agreed not to give each other gifts this year, but he is deserving of my continued kindness despite our difficulties, so I just made an impulsive (or was it?) decision to get him something that will make his holiday, and because it will be something appreciated, he will appreciate the thought. I will remember to be kinder to him beyond the scope of this challenge. Where it is so easy for me to be kind to strangers, it comes with so much difficulty to be kind to the father of my children!!! xoxo
Beautiful, Alicia! Thank you for this post…
Today, I went to Aubuchon Hardware to get my daughter, Erin, a “roll-up” sled …. the only kind allowed at school. They had two left, so I bought them both … one for Erin and one to share with her class, should someone else need one
Crystal! What a fantastic way to support children’s play! I would love to send you a FREE copy of Understanding the Energy of Your Child. Send me your address at jennifer@intuitiveteachings.com! Thank you for loving act of kindness!
Well the universe responded to my intention this evening…..Someone I met a year ago who has been living in her car called and I was able to let her stay in my art studio which I have been trying to rent out for over a month. She was ecstatic and feels this is the break she needs to get her paperwork done so she can get her business back on track. She’ll be staying there rent free until she is able to pay what she can. I don’t think I can top this one tomorrow, but I’ll try.
Yamini, No, you probable can’t top this one, but you will continue to be kind, as this is the person you are! I would love to send you an autographed copy of Connecting with the Bliss of Life!
Thank you Dave….I’d love to have your book. Unfortunately, the sweet homeless lady did herself in with my upstairs neighbor when she took it upon herself to throw out his almost empty box of “Bounce” in the laundry room next to her room because she was allergic to it. He became a raging lunatic and demanded she leave immediately. I suspect she does this sort of thing all the time because she didn’t seem upset. Unfortunately, I think she enjoys the role of martyr, and may be mentally challenged. It’s so sad that not everyone can see the bigger picture or suffer a little discomfort in order to help a challenged human being out.
Gave a BIG tip today to a deli clerk where I bought my yummy lunch:)
It snowed yet again today. When I got home at 9:30pm, the city workers had not come and plowed my road… I decided to plow the entire street for the other people who live on it!
Yesterday …. I offered to drive all the girls to Driver’s Ed, and back, so that the other parents didn’t have to …. maybe they could get some shopping done
I posted an article about the election of Houston’s first openly gay mayor on my facebook page along with a public apology to the gay community for all of the hatred I felt for them throughout my life. I also sent love and healing to the gay community and asked forgiveness on behalf of anyone who has caused them pain. My father was gay and I’ve hated him and his friends for the choices they made. Now all I feel is his kindness and compassion. I love you, Dad, and I’m sorry.
Thank you Anne for being so vulnerable and willing to heal a very sensitive area of your life and in taking responsibility for your healing you supported others to hear the words “I’m sorry” … a big gift that will then make room for love.
Anne – Thank you for your courage!
One of my favorite Random acts of kindness is to pick out someone I come across while I am out and about, and to give them a genuine and sweetly authentic compliment directly, while gazing lovingly into their eyes. I find this not only touches the one I can intuit hardly ever gets this kind of warm support, but in turn it brings my own Soul joy … See Morejust because I believe that this is how we can turn our world around. We are one big luminous Circle, just some feel more on the fringes instead of in the Center where we all belong! Namaste and a Mulitiplicity Of Blessings and MLove♥
Sometimes being noticed with a smile is enough to brighten my day!
At the art gallery today an elderly woman was unable to walk into the gallery. She sat outside waiting for her husband to walk through the gallery. He told me she was too tired to come in. So I took several paintings off the wall and took them out to her so she could enjoy fine beauty of the art as well. She loved it! She was very surprised. Her husband said “That is the nicest thing – thank you.”
Jennifer, that was such a nice thing to do. I think everyone should be more considerate of the elderly. Their minds remain sharp, while their physical ablilities deteriorate.
And that woman will remember your compassion for a very long time!
Today I experienced kindness..I was the recipient.and while it may not be completely random, it was still noteworthy…a friend dropped me off at the airport and not only carried my bags, but got them checked in for me, and also walked me into the airport and stayed until I got through security. I felt so taken care of, appreciated and valued. They may have thought it was small act but it allowed me to receive and that feels wonderful…..Thank you for showing me how to be kind to myself and receive!
Today at Walmart, one of the employees was gathering the carts outside and pushing the 20 or so train of them towards the door. As he pushed them up the ramped entrance, the last cart came off and started rolling backwards. He just looked at it in disdain, sighed and kept pushing. I grabbed the cart and pushed it towards the doors and reattached it to the line. He looked up and smiled and thanked me. I think our sincere smiles warmed us both a little on this fridged day. It’s not a big thing but it felt good.
If you are not feeling very loved this season, just give love out as much as you can to anybody. The act of giving feels just as good.
It’s been a while since I posted so I’ll begin with the latest. Today, at kirtan chanting which we do every Wednesday, my good friend Rollie brought his beautiful jewelry to show and sell. He had a beautiful display by the altar, but no one seemed to notice. So as everyone was leaving after chanting, I spoke up and people stopped in their tracks and he was able to sell two neckaces and one pair of earrings. I told him I would be his spokesperson there from now on and won’t let anyone out the door until they’ve had a chance to see all his beautiful work.
Very Cool. I like it!
Yesterday I bought a moveable wooden frog tree ornament and gave it to my next door neighbor for her 2 yr. old grandson….it made her very happy.
Yamini – thank you for your simple gesture. It will put a lovely smile on the face of a child – I love frogs!!! I would like to make a simple gesture back and offer to send you a FREE copy of Understanding the Energy of Your Child. Send me your address at jennifer@intuitiveteachings.com. Happy Holidays!
Since this all began, I noticed I’m much more considerate and relaxed behind the wheel. I now make an effort to let people in ahead of me a lot more. I hope I can sustain this attitude beyond the 12 days. Who knows the ripple effect this may cause.
I received an intentional loving act of kindness today. I went grocery shopping and told the clerk I have $90 — so could he tell me when I was getting close to that amount as I was checking out. I had selected a few items I was not sure would fall within my budget. As we got closer to $90.00 I decided to go over just abit and go ahead and get the selected items. Though I chose to go over the $90.00 the clerk as he was giving me the final total said : “That will be $89.99″ I looked at the monitor and it read $122.00. I said “What?” He smiled and said “If I had the money I would pay your difference. ” I smiled so big — what a thoughtful remark!!! I said thank you and of course paid the full $122 – knowing in my heart I was being loved!
After shopping I was returning to my car, traversing a very snowy/icy parking lot, and I noticed an elderly gentleman slowly trying navigate his shopping cart in the ruts left by ice and snow. His pace was very slow and unsteady and realizing even I felt challenged walking in the remnants of the prevsious day’s 18 inch snowfall, I wondered if he would be OK. I continued my exit from the lot… and rethought my decision to leave as I was concerned about his well being. I returned, reparked my car and walked over to where he was standing, visually searching for where he had left his car. I acted as his “search party” walking the aisle clicking, clicking,until the lights of his car ‘flickered’. We then togehter walked to this car and he was tucked in ready to go. He was very gracious in his “thank-you” and I assured him I suspect someone will return the kindness to me in my time of need. All is well!
Ann…thank you for deciding to turn around. That’s evidence that you are listening to your angels. They are celebrating you right now!
Yesterday, I took my dear friend to a Korean Health spa and treated her to 2 hours of extreme pleasure which included 5 rounds alternating hot jacuzzi and cold tub dip, salt scrub steam bath and sauna followed by emersion into a bed of warm clay beads and ending with applying high grade lotions all over our bodies and hair. She really needed this as she was wound up so tight with unexpected financial challenges.
Before we went to the spa, we grabbed a bite to eat at a nearby Korean restaurant. They had just opened the day before. We were treated so graciously that she asked the manager for his card and told him we were committed to bringing them customers for which he was profoundly grateful.
Litttle things can mean a lot to some people.I was getting a registration on a new car and the people at the next window were trying get tags on there car. I could see them counting change trying to come up with the money. They were $2.80 short and the lady at the window was not helping. I walked over and handed her $5. They were so appreciative,you’d thought I bought them a car! It made there day and mine better.
Thank you Kevin – that rocks!!
I love it! and u got me present to the little things, I helped a woman in the costco parking lot who was struggling with her stuff load it into the car and did it so quickly I didn’t stop to let her really thank me, matter of fact I didn’t even look at her. hmmmm…
Tony, I love how you are so generous without even a thought, without skipping a beat, yet there is a gift in allowing a smile or thank you from your recipient…. Thanks for being who you are!
Last night I drove to my bank which is across from Whole Foods Market. I made my deposit and then asked the parking attendant if I could just walk across the street and get a few things. He kindly said “yes”. So I bought him a double chocolat muffin which I gave him when I came back. I love these little opportunities to connect that I’m more consciously aware of now.
For anyone who would like to contribute meaningfully to the homeless in Santa Ana, my friend, Summer, is organizing a huge event to feed and clothe 300 people. She is looking for all kinds of items such as toiletries, blankets, usded clothing, etc. I’ve gone every year and it’s a party. Usually about 50 people show up and help distribute these things to hundreds of happy people. Summer is cooking all the food and could use some help early Christmas day (she’s the manager at Z-Pizza). You can contact her at summerandjack@gmail.com
Sending everyone on the blog today – love and light!
It’s got to be cold ringing that Salvation Army bell in 5 degree weather. I bought the man a coffee and donated as well. Give love and coffee!!!
This is wonderful! Thank you for your kind gesture:)
One of my housemates is 9 years old — she invited me to her Christmas choir show. She was so very excited – though I was supposed to work at a local gallery that evening – I took off an hour early to go to the show —- and brought her 2 pink roses and a pink Gerber daisy to celebrate her performance —she was thrilled! Some simple ways to honor whats important to someone else. To remind each other how special we all are.
Seven Greatest Gifts Of Kindness: Share today!
Gift of service: donate to a cause, as a holiday gift for your best friend.
Gift of affection: be generous with hugs, kisses and pats on the back.
Gift of laughter: clip cartoons, share funny stories.
Gift of a written note: send a ‘thank you’ note, write a letter to an old friend.
Gift of a compliment: a simple ‘you look great today’, a sincere ‘thank you for a wonderful meal’.
Gift of listening: no interrupting, no daydreaming, no responding, just listening. Gift of solitude: spend some time in silence, help others spend some time in silence.
Today, a little boy at my daughter’s swim class was obviously discouraged and I just kept telling him …. “come on, you can do it” and when he did, it made my heart smile. Also, at my daughter’s basketball practice, another little boy, who has ADHD was struggling to focus on what he was there for … kept leaving the practice, and I encouraged him to go back to stand next to my daughter and he did, even if only for a very brief time
If we should deal out justice only, in this world, who would escape? No, it is better to be generous, and in the end more profitable, for it gains gratitude for us, and love. ~Mark Twain
Although tired with a mound of work on my desk, I took a bit of time to respond to a young woman who emailed a rather lengthy question to me… She seemed conflicted and was reaching out for some guidance. I obliged to help her… Thereafter, I felt good and was able to tackle my work with more ease.
I have an older woman who volunteers in my special education classroom 3 mornings a week. She helps the students with various academic assignments. Since Sept. she has especially bonded with two students who need extra TLC. Because of her help, I have seen these students improve both academically and socially. She is a collector of teddy bears and this week she gave each student a bear. It’s amazing the love and kindness she brings to my classroom.
Karla – how wonderful to have such warmth in your classroom! Happy Holidays to you! I would love to extend warmth to you by offering you a Free copy of Understanding the Energy of Your Child. Send your address to jennifer@Intuitiveteachings.com and I will send it off to you.
Warmly, Jennifer
Handing a child a homemade candy cane! Big eyes – big smiles! Happy Holidays Everyone!
Okay, Jennifer. You beat me with the giving kids candy act!
yes – I found these yummy homemade candy canes — the children love them! different flavors – peppermint, cinnamon, and vanilla. The big kind – you can grab onto.
I was on my way to Subway the other day, but decided to give my business to a new cafe… Although it is much more expensive to do so, I felt it was better to support small local business than the large chain.
Check out The Laconia Daily Sun: Page #5 (www.laconiadailysun.com) My Article on Random Acts….
So to conclude the article here: The woman did not receive any help directly…. A person went to get a paper and saw the keys, brought the keys into the post office, where the woman was using the phone in a desperate attempt to find help. Sad that nobody could help her!!!!
“Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama. In my travels as of late I’ve had such an incredible opportunity to witness kindness of others to others…in the airport, planes, while shopping for Christmas I’ve seen more people open the doors for others, smile, be courteous in traffic, etc. But today I witnessed a different type of kindness. I saw my son put kindness for another in front of his own personal thoughts and beliefs. I saw him, despite his disagreement, stand quietly and allow another to be whoever they chose to be and not allow it to impact who he was or make it about him. This is a level of kindness to some may appear as “keeping the peace” but to me it was and is the level of being enlightened and seeing the complete picture that instills happiness originating from kindness. Here’s to being what we want to see in the world – an allowing of all people to be who they are so the light can shine brightly within each of us. Cheers!!
Beautiful Annette! Happy New Year to your family:)
Last Night, Christmas Eve, I was the recipient of generosity and kindness. I was invited, as I always am, to my good friend’s home for their family Christmas Eve dinner and party. And although not related by blood in any way, my friends, Dave and Michelle always treat me as one of the family. They make me feel welcomed and like I so do belong there. Michelle tells everybody, with arms outstretched, that “this is all his fault” pointing to and citing me the cause of the happiness and festivities around them… You see, all those years ago, now a fog in my memory, I set Dave and Michelle up on their first meeting! Then I was the best man at there wedding. I was lurking when the kids were born, and I have watched my very close friend, Dave, build and raise his family. So I am proud and happy to be the catalyst for all that, and I am grateful that their door is always open for me and that I am considered part of their family! It was an awesome party, by the way!
Thank you for sharing this Annette – Happy New Year to your family:)
Meant to write “David” —- accidentally wrote annette’s name — big love to you Dave!
To get caught up….yesterd, my Niagara Water delivery man came as usual but this time I slipped a $5 bill in his hand. He was so appreciative he hugged me. I just appreciated the fact that he was delivering on Christmas Eve.
That’s so sweet and thoughtful of you Yamini – it’s the acknowledgment of him working on Christmas Eve that really exudes your kindness.
In considering Kindness and sharing a positive perspective of generosity I started looking for aspects in the media where there is a positive reflection of generosity and kindness. I came across this commercial – and yes it’s marketing – but regardless of that fact it is speaking directly to being there for others….using Michael Jackson’s “I’ll be there” with some great pics – has me stand up and say – yes & I’ll be there too….will you?
Check it out…
Great blog! And I love the videos too!
Here in the land of Starbucks, my favorite random act of kindess is to buy a latte/cocoa/tea for the person or persons behind me at the drive up window. It’s such a small thing, and brings a smile to the face of the barista too!
Christmas Eve night, we had dinner out with my sister and her husband. We never get to talk or spend the holiday together because one of us is either hosting or doing the cooking. So we decided to treat outselves to a dinner out this year. Unbeknowst to me, my sister’s husband arranged to pay the entire bill ahead of time, knowing our funds were tight this year. It was such a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
Today, I shall pay it forward by scooping dog poop for my son-in-law, who hates that chore.
I’m on vacation this week, but this morning I went in to work for a few hours to help out.
Today was a great day to go skiing. Some, perhaps, would be swayed by the 5 degree weather, but the mountain was bustling all the same. As we neared the off ramp at the to of the chairlift, I noticed a boy struggling to get up, right in the middle of the off ramp. The people in the chair maneuvered around him, as they shot contemptuous looks at him and his onlooking parent. I skidded alongside the boy, grabbed him by the jacket and pulled him up and out of the way. There was no thank you from him or his still onlooking father… But it was okay, I had helped, and the best thing was my own son immediately commented on what a nice thing it was for me to help the boy up. That was enough for me! If children do in fact le3arn by mimicking their parents actions, then today, I did okay!