Kindnesses of the Season

Lets all stay chirpy like my little gold bird.

Earlier this week my Mum was at the supermarket.  She approached the register at about the same time as another couple, they arrived just a few steps ahead of her.  They had a giant trolley filled to the brim, Mum had just a few items.  "If I might be so bold" Mum asked " would you mind if I went ahead of you, I've only got 5 items".  "You've got to be kidding me, its Christmas", said the man as he proceeded to unload his giant trolley.

I was shocked when Mum told me this story because twice in the last week or so I've had people invite me to go ahead of them in the line when it was clear I only had an item or two.  Of course he was there first and it was his right to go first, it just seemed such a little thing to do, especially at this time of year.  However, Mum's experience made me reflect that over the last few weeks I have witnessed loads of people being kind and doing thoughtful things and very few behaving so negatively.

For example just yesterday I was searching for raspberries in the fruit and veg shop.  There was a sign but no raspberries.  I asked someone who was stacking the shelves in the vicinity if there were any out the back and he replied no, that the truck with the new stocks hadn't arrived yet.  Slightly disappointed I thanked him and wandered away to do the rest of my shopping.  About 10 minutes later I was walking to the checkout when he came back to me.  He had found 2 packets out the back.  They each had a bad berry or two in them, so he gave them both to me for the price of one.  I was so thrilled that I didn't have to go to another shop and really grateful that he had taken the time to do that extra search for me.

Then there was the story about a Canberra charity that was robbed of $1,000 worth of gift cards it had collected for its Christmas appeal.  After hearing it on the radio, Canberran's donated over $7,000 worth of gift cards in replacement.

Now I'm no saint.  I definitely get short tempered when the weather is hot, my list is long and the shops are crowded, but Mum's experience reminded me that we all need to take a deep breath every now and then and remember that everyone is in the same boat.  If each one of us could just show a sample of the kindness I've been witness to in the last week, I think we would all be happier and a little less stressed.  And most importantly it reminded me of my little mantra that is the reason for this blog, focus on the positive.  Instead of thinking about that man who got to his car two minutes faster than if Mum had gone in front of him, I will focus on the shop assistant who spent an extra 10 minutes looking for raspberries for me, because you know what, that shop assistant is the one who is deserving of my attention and brain space.