Kindness Cards

I recently gave out an AAOK card at our Publix grocery store. The older gentleman in line in front of me was giving the cashier a hard time. She could not do anything right. The store didn't have what he wanted and prices were too high, etc., and it was all her fault. Through it all, the cashier just kept apologizing and asking him how she could make things better for him. She stayed polite and engaged event hough he was being very rude. After he left, she let out a big sigh and we had a god laugh. I told her she showed him such kindness and her attitude stayed so positive (I, personally, would have strangled the guy. He really did not deserve the kindness she gave him). I gave her a card and said I hoped with all my heart that her day would get better. She said, "For me? Oh really?" She was so surprised when I explained our purpose in acknowledging acts of kindness, and how she could pass the card on. She said, "OK, thank you!" There was a line behind me and I could tell she wanted to get back to her customers but she was so appreciative.

Hi All. I just want to share a nice experience I had toady. As some of you know, I am a sub driver for Community Watch. Today I was patrolling in The Village of De La Vista and noticed an elderly couple in front of their home. She was just bringing her husband out so he could sit in a chair while she worked in the garden. I decided to just stop and chat with them. He was obviously experiencing some problems but was so happy when I walked up and shook his hand. I had a wonderful conversation with them and they were so happy that someone was thoughtful enough to spend time with them. I was so moved by the kindness that she showed toward him that I gave her a card and told her about our club. When I walked back to the truck, I had trouble holding back the tears. Then I decided to take John Maiorino's advice and give myself a card.

Since we have been doing this, I am aware of the importance of doing kind things to people. I even gave myself a card (from one pocket to another) when I removed a fallen branch from a parked car and someone shouted, "Thanks for your kindness!" I now find more things I personally can do for others (running out of my own cards). So finding kindness within yourself is part of the "culture" we are trying to create - Give yourself a card a day.