Kindness Goes a Long Way

Desiree Future

One day I was sitting in my car during my lunch break. It was a nice warm day so I decided to eat lunch in my car. Living in a state with four seasons, you must enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts.

This city is changing just like the weather. Having more than five zip codes, there’s construction in each one. It’s to make the city more of what I’m not exactly sure.

The landmarks that would guide me to my favorite store have been replaced. Now about three ten-story buildings have taken its spot.

Our potholes during and after the winter snowy seasons linger around much longer. As the many two-ton trucks have made them a permanent occurrence these days, regardless of the weather.

Now the sidewalks near the construction sites are a whole different thing. The twists and turns of where you can and can’t walk make it seem like an obstacle course. Almost like a huge maze and you don’t know where you’re going to come out.

On the sidewalks, where you’re allowed to walk it’s not so friendly. Between the dirt, bumpy and uneven walkway, it’s hard to keep your footing. If you’re wearing any open shoes, you will get a pebble or two in them.

In my rearview mirror, I noticed an elderly woman with a cane crossing over away from a building under construction. She had successfully made it across the street. However, she still needed to get across another busy street.

While she waited patiently for the light to change, a construction worker from the half-built building stood on the opposite side. He too was waiting for the light to change. They were about to cross paths.

When the light changed both started making their way on the beaten-up unlevel street. To my surprise, he walked up to her and extended his arm. She smiled and took his arm as they walked across.

What an awesome thing for him to do. Not sure who was smiling more. Me or the older woman he helped.

In this busy life we live, we must always be nice. Whether we are having a good or bad day. It doesn’t take much to figure out that kindness goes a long way.

It costs you nothing at all to be pleasant. Your reward is that you made them smile. You made them smile not knowing your great gesture made their gloomy day bright.

How can you be smiley all the time when you have problems? Well, do this exercise for me. Breathe in and then breathe out. That’s your motivation. Having the ability to inhale and exhale.