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Simple Acts of Kindness

Ahh, I will never be a regular blogger. It’s either a million posts in one day, or nothing for three weeks. Oh well.

I am starting my 29 Day Giving Challenge on Saturday, but thought that I may as well try to be a bit more giving today. Warm up my kindness skills. And why not start with the little things?

The drive to work is through peak hour, so as you can imagine, everyone is very aggressive and determined to get where they need to go as quickly as possible. Myself included. And so some poor souls who need to turn out of the little streets onto the main ones are stuck waiting for a very long time. Normally I am a teensy bit too focused on singing, waking up, and trying to get to work quickly as I am often running late etc. etc. (excuses, excuses) to notice these people. So today I decided to break that habit, and let some of those poor people through.

And the most amazing thing happened. All of the people behind me started letting people through as well. Then all of the people who had been let through began to let other people through. This crazy chain reaction spread before my eyes. People were waving to each other and smiling, rather than blasting their horns and swearing. And I started it. That one simple act of kindness spread through the streets of Canberra like wildfire.

And I thought ‘wow, maybe I really can change the world’.

Comments

keishua said…
Oh, I love this. I really do. Driving can be such a stresser for me. I have found that by letting people out or pass me, it becomes easier. It's like the become human.Anyway, I love the ripple effect you speak about. It is so true. It's so amazing!
February 25, 2011 at 11:56 AM
Tiq said…
I couldn't agree more with both of you here ! Isn't it amazing how a small act of kindness can affected others?
That's a good start Kaylia !!
Have a great weekend girl !!!!
February 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Mary Grace said…
How awesome! Either being the person who offers the random act of kindness or the recipient of such an act, they both lift my heart. I always appreciate when someone opens the door for me, no matter the numerous times.
February 25, 2011 at 2:26 PM
Rosy Revolver said…
THAT. Is awesome. Thanks for inspiring me. xoxo
February 25, 2011 at 2:57 PM
Brandi said…
A simple action really does spread like wildfire. I love it!
February 25, 2011 at 4:15 PM
Sara Louise said…
I truly believe that everything you put out into the universe comes back to you three-fold. So keep up the random acts of kindness and spread the positivity. Good things will happen :-)
February 25, 2011 at 4:51 PM
soph // and other things said…
That sounds like such a pleasant way to handle peak hour traffic! Sometimes I get quite appalled at how aggressive some people can get. Good job!
February 25, 2011 at 5:05 PM
Mil said…
Good for you! I love it when people wave to me when I let them in. That's probably why I do it!
February 25, 2011 at 6:05 PM
Jo said…
Love this! I think I'll try it tomorrow. I live in Hollywood, CA. The Oscars are in my neighborhood this weekend. There are already road closures. Oh the traffic! Oh the crazy drivers! Time to smile and let them on through! :)
February 25, 2011 at 6:42 PM
Kate said…
Wow thats so awesome! A little goes a long way.

http://katekenzie.blogspot.com/
February 25, 2011 at 7:40 PM
m_b said…
that is so so sweet! i believe in the power of just smiling and letting things go and that positivity will radiate to others. great job! and thanks for your sweet comment on the boot!
xo, marissa
February 25, 2011 at 8:03 PM
Missy said…
hey thanks for stopping by my blog! i'd love to hear about the weird dreams. they fascinate me. i love this post too. i'm like you million posts, then none at all. and the chain reaction of kindness is brilliant, way to go
February 25, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Jessica said…
I LOVE this! Thank you so much for popping by, I'm so excited to have discovered your blog! San Francisco was indeed incredible, if you ever get the chance I do highly recommend you go! But how I would also looove to visit Australia! :) The grass is always greener, eh? Brava on your act of kindness!
February 26, 2011 at 12:18 AM
M. Eileen said…
aw, that is a sweet little story! thank you!
February 26, 2011 at 2:53 AM
Mish Mashh said…
firstly thanks for your sweet comment and so glad i have discovered your blog! i love the idea of the 29 day challenge and would like to try it myself soon. its true a little act of kindness can go a long way, you have no idea what a difference it can make in another persons life! have a great weekend! xo
February 26, 2011 at 3:13 AM
koralee said…
Oh kindness does matter...what a lovely thing to share...you warmed my heart today!

Love your sweet blog...thanks for finding me. xoxoxo
February 26, 2011 at 3:52 AM
k said…
that's impressive, good job :)
February 26, 2011 at 5:04 AM
tattytiara said…
It's so true. I recently saw an amazing video on youtube where the guy - one guy - single handedly broke up traffic jams. How? Just by leaving enough space for people to merge in ahead of him. Well done!
February 26, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Anonymous said…
:) that's so nice!
February 26, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Dee Paulino said…
How nice & lovely!! I hate driving during rush hour, that's why I don't leave my house during the week between 3:30 & 6:00pm. If I have to go out, I leave before or after that time. Does that set me on the weird category of the food chain? I guess so, but oh well... You're a very sweet pumpkin, thank you for stopping by my blog :)
February 27, 2011 at 1:47 AM
kimbirdy said…
ah! that's so exciting!! it's so great when you can see the beauty that comes from a kind act YOU did, because that so rarely happens. most of the time i never knew whether something i did had a positive impact or not. so hang on to these times when you do get to see this and use it as evidence that everything you do is going to effect someone else, even if you don't know it. yay!
February 27, 2011 at 7:05 AM
Unknown said…
how awsome!!!



xoxo from rome
K.
http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/
March 1, 2011 at 9:14 AM
Missy said…
i didnt know where to reply about the 29 giving challenge. i am in a rut too :X yikes. i didnt want it to be all about buying things, and i did some other things like mailed some letters, made some phone calls. how are you doing??
March 3, 2011 at 7:10 PM
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