Amazing Acts of Kindness

I remember sometime ago, the whole popularity of "random acts of kindness" came on like a wave. I say popularity because really people have always been doing it but, suddenly there was a bumper sticker campaign (nothing says popularity like a bumper sticker), and the movie "Pay It Forward(2000)." Then there was Hillary Clinton’s campaign (1996) of "It Takes a Village" to raise a child! These catch phrases caught on and people got involved...movements were reborn (I say reborn because social movement is a continuous cycle waiting for the right environment to reinvent itself), and TV even embraced it... Oprah, Ellen, All morning shows and even reality TV "Extreme Makeover." In 2006 the free hug campaign came into the picture, making doing for others even more simplistic.
It is not the cheeky catch phrase that made/makes all the difference. It is the way people embrace a movement into the core of their being! It becomes less of a movement, and more of a way of living!
Today's blog is so simple, yet so complex. Every day I go through life and have the days pass I forget all the ways in which people have made this world a better place. Today I am simply thanking them...saying I noticed.
The friend that sent me a text while shopping because she knew I was lonely...
The friend that gave me a ride to school on strike day...
The friend that helped me get settled here (I will miss you)...
The lady who pushed the ubahn button so I could squeeze on...
My church family for the care package...
The friend at school for helping with the kids...
The friend who came with Twizzlers...
The new friend who's friendship means a ton to me...
The people who make me smile...
The woman who told me "I speak good German"....
The Man who DAILY tells me my small dog is cute, but his dog could eat her....
The ladies at school who have helped with my kids at various times...
The friend who picked my mom up from the airport....
The women who welcomed me and invited me out...
The friend who always sends me "Words with Friends" messages...
And finally the countless people, who have paused to hold a door, say hello, laugh, share a snack, share cake, write an email, and those who smile :)
Each one of these actions brought joy into my life. Each one of these acts made adjusting to living in Germany that much easier. Which got me thinking this morning how am I bringing joy into others lives? I hope that I am daily, without thought, but to make sure for the next 7 days I am going to try harder, smile more, and do what I can...(yes brace yourself for a bumper sticker moment) I am going to Pay It Forward!

For Inspiration check out:

 http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

http://www.helpothers.org/cards.php