December 18, 2017
I walked 1.5 miles between my hosts’ house and my grandson’s house.
Besides allowing myself to feel all my feelings while walking past my former family home, I noticed kindness bestowed by people I don’t know.
- A driver stopped, waited, then backed up. A woman popped her head out saying, “Oh sorry! I thought you were a kid.” And drove on. “I am a kid at heart!” I spontaneously replied.
- A man with a dog pulled off the sidewalk and waited while I passed. I felt honored, first assumi g that I would be the one who yielded. “Thank you!” I said. His dog jumped up and was held back. “Whew! Thank you twice!”
- A driver waited a car length back from a stop sign as I crossed in front. I waved my thanks before and after I passed.
I realized that I could have noticed equal numbers of people ignoring me, or showing unkindness. Actually, on this walk no one offered me anything that appeared unkind.
I especially enjoyed being mistaken for a kid, as I regularly encourage visitors at my visitor center programs to be as a child in the desert, full of wonder and curiosity. I guess I radiate that even walking through the wooded neighborhood in Georgia!
And I really appreciate the responsible dog owner volunteering to hold back his dog!
Today I notice kindness.
Good thoughts to focus on.