Kill ‘Em With Kindness
When I was eighteen, I had my first internship in New York City. Centered on my need to get wherever I was going in the same hurried frenzy as everyone around me, I was often overwhelmed by the city.
The moment I would step off the bus and walk toward the subway, I had my game face on: I was on my way to the A train and not a single person could stop me. Suddenly, my pace was double-time, caught up in the speed of the others making their way to work, coffee in hand.
One day, out of the blue, a couple walked up to me and handed me their MetroCard, the card used to pay for the NYC subway system. For a moment, I was confused as to what they wanted.
“Do you need help, directions?” I asked. Again, they motioned for me to take their MetroCard.
“We’re leaving and we’re not going to be able to use what’s left on this,” they said, “so you have it.”
It was such a simple gesture, and such a kind one. It was a relief to not have to pay for my ride that day, and such a break from the usual go go go routine. Clearly, I never forgot it.
Paying It Forward
Right in the middle of New York City, a free library for everyone to enjoy. Sweet!
For this week’s writing challenge, ponder the significance of kindness in your life. That may mean:
- Telling us about the last time or the most memorable time you received a random act of kindness from a stranger.
- Sharing the details of your last act of kindness, or when you wish you had been kinder when you weren’t.
- Explaining what kindness means in a time when it’s so easy to leave anonymous, uncensored comments on blog posts, videos, pictures, and more.
- Offering tales about times when you’ve needed to be kinder to yourself, and how you did that.
We’re looking forward to seeing what you have to share. While you’re at it, take the time to practice kindness and leave a comment on one of your favorite posts that you see here in response to this prompt, and I’ll join you in that effort.
