I finally got to the counter and needed to do my purchase in two transactions -- one with my gift card, the other to be paid with my credit card. My clerk is a fellow who has been there for seven years (he told me), very Goth with the black scarf, hair dyed a color I'm not sure I could duplicate and piercings in places I don't want to think about.
I apologized, knowing it would hold up the line and he said it was all right. I said "I'll bet when you go home at night, you don't want to see a single person again, ever!"
He laughed and said, "There've been time I've felt like that, but this year is different. Everyone seems a little nicer, more patient. Friendlier, I guess. And that makes the day seem easier."
As we were chatting (and checking out -- he could multitask well!) we determined that it was perhaps that in the past six or seven months there has been a lot of anger in the world, and even now a lot of uncertainty. And people are tired of the anger, the "I'm right, you're wrong" mentality and all the heat the comes with it.
And maybe, just maybe, people are trying hard to be a little nicer, a little more patient, a little kinder.
I've noticed it when crossing the street, people stopping to let you pass, even if you're not in the zebra stripes.
I've seen it in check-out lines -- "Why don't you go ahead? You only have a couple of things."
I've noticed it on the highway -- drivers letting you in when it seemed like you might never get over a lane.
Kindness.
Oh, don't we all need it? And isn't this the season when it should most be present?
Or is it? Perhaps every season is the season for kindness.
At least, maybe it should be.
Please join lots of us bloggers for joy and good cheer at Share Your Cup! and at Sweet and Simple Fridays. And I'd like to thank Jody at Sweet and Simple for featuring my post on the Ice Berry Wreath at Southern Exposure in her week's features! Do stop by these blogs to check out the links. The inspiration will make you dizzy with happiness!
31 comments:
You're right. I think being kind is a gift anyone can give to everyone.
Beautiful post, Jeanie. Your description of the clerk is priceless. Kindness always makes a world of difference. Have a wonderful week.
It's a beautiful post Jeanie..
I love to live being polite and courteous..and I find people are 99% courteous..so easy to thank someone that cares for you..or is doing business with you..EASY peasy..someone lets you pass on the road..acknowledge..let someone pass:) Thank you to the mailperson..garbage person if you are lucky enough to see them..pharamacist..people that you see on and off or always.
Thank you Jeanie:)
Wonderful post, full of beautiful images and wise words. I hope things will really get better, and friendlier after the hard times. Have a wonderful day,
hugs, Valerie
Hi Jeanie,
Your ability to see the brighter side and to search for the best in people is really awesome. I wish I shared it!
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
This is wonderfully impressive. I love it. I wish my friend who sends me hateful e-mails could read this, because I thought she was bad before the elections. Now she's hell on wheels about Obama and all his various "sins." Before it was hate Muslims and illegals and both Clintons. It was wasted on me. I didn't vote for either of the two top candidates.
But not to be a Debbie Downer, your story of hope, kindness, and caring is just what we need in this day and season. Yes, any season.
AGREED!!!
Gorgeous photos! I especially love the shell angel. So unique! Glad to see you are well and enjoying the holiday season!
Nicer, more patient, kinder - I'll try it myself and then pass it on, Jeanie! A lovely uplifting post and I like the images.
If we all were kinder it would be a much better world!
You are so right. We are tired of anger and rude people.
Glad that your shopping experience was a good one.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mary
I find most people to be polite and courteous, but it's good if it is even more noticeable, especially at this time of year when the shops are crowded and people are in a rush. The decorations you pictured are beautiful. Are they all at your home? -Jenn
I hope you are right that courtesy has been stepped up. I hope we can maintain it.
I report from the recount that everyone there seemed to be on the side of accuracy and completeness. Amen.
Jeanie - Lovely to read. A World Filled with Hope and Kindness. So Very Thankful.
The first comment (by Joanne Huffman) said it all and said it perfectly... "I think being kind is a gift anyone can give to everyone."
It's such a simple and easy thing - just smile, say thank you and please, use the good manners your mother taught you. The world would be so much nicer.
I do hope you're right, I am so tired of the anger and fighting. I am hoping the good vibes continue well after Christmas too! I'll do my part, I always try to be especially friendly to retail workers. Been there, done that, and they need all the kindness they can get. Their hours are so long this time of year.
Oh it does seem to ruin the mood when meeting up with a rude customer or clerk. A smile and hello goes a long way, especially with the long lines anywhere. Tis the Season! I do try to remember to smile at anyone and everyone especially this time of year. It makes me feel good even if it's not returned.........
Jeanie, I think you might be right about the reason for the greater kindness now. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us and making the day a bit brighter.
I so hope you're right, Jeanie:)
We need kindness in our lives after all the nastiness and negativity.
Beautiful, warm pictures of the season.
a wonderful post, Jeanie...some of the kindest and sweetest guys I've met had the longest hair, the most tattoos and the most piercings...
i tend to think a lot of people are feeling so much better about the future with a new pres. in the offering...but that's just me. :)
Jeanie, I loved this post so much, and your pictures that went along with it. Yes, people have been pretty nice around here too. My goodness, that porcelain doll is beautiful. I just bought a white fairy with a hand painted face. It was kind of expensive, but I guess we have to treat ourselves once in awhile. You have the most unique things around your house. I love seeing all the goodies you share. Thanks for the reminder to be patient and kind this wonderful Christmas season.
~Sheri
I hope you're right about the fact everyone's had enough of being so hateful and rude. I suppose we'll have to wait and see if this will last after the holidays are over. Still, even a break from all the nastyness for the holiday season will be nice...
Now that you mention it, Jeanie, I have noticed that, too. People seem very patient these days and maybe it's not ONLY because it's the Christmas season.
Beautiful pieces . . . touches . . .
To tell the story of kindness . . .
Being so . . .
Never fails, does it . . .
Wonderful post . . .
What a wonderful inspiring post Jeannie, I will strive to remember this daily...
Jenna
I think it is because the shock of the election we realize we need to counteract the hatefulness and add kindness into people around us and in our souls. Fun ornaments, Jeanie! I do love seeing them here. I have avoided Michael's for sure, but maybe after Christmas for the sales.
I love chatting with others in stores and we just need to be patient this time of year. This post is so sweet! I have noticed that people are a little kinder as well. Oh how I loved that little figure with the feathers. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
The one with the braids looks so sad.
There's no question that people are being kinder, or at least less aggressive and nasty. I notice it driving, particularly. There's a bottleneck bridge I often cross at the height of the evening rush hour, and over the past months, people have become more and more accomodating to other drivers, who have to merge into a particular lane. It's really noticeable, and a welcome relief. I don't think it's Christmas. I think, as you say, people are simply tired of anger and conflict.
I'm glad you've noticed people being nicer. There has been enough hate and negativity for a while. Maybe we're finally moving forward.
I'm glad you've been on the receiving end of kindness. I think I've noticed it more as well. I've also tried to be more kind to others, especially when traveling as I know cab drivers and airport employees probably are on the receiving end of stressed out and tired travelers.
I read this great middle grade book last year called Wonder. It was excellent. the message of the book was: "be kinder than is necessary." I think that's something we can all take to heart!!
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