Spreading Joy

I don't know if I have done this post before and frankly, I do not think I can stress on this topic enough. If you have never tried out Random Acts of Kindness before, go on, get out there and try it out. I am not so sure about 'what goes around comes around', but I can sure give the Butterfly seal of guarantee, that it will leave you feeling good and smiling for days.

I had read about this years ago some place and it stayed with me. At times, I have wondered whether I should do it, but on those occasions, I walked away from that place miserable that it occurred to me and I did not go through with it.

I think I must have mentioned earlier too that I try and do at least one selfless deed every day. Especially to those, who can make do with some kindness. It could be as simple as carrying the grocery bags of an elderly person, or paying medical bills of someone that you know can't really afford it, paying your house-help's child's fees. It can be anything.

Today I was so glad that I visited a friend, who gave birth to her second baby last Sunday. Actually, I befriended her just about three weeks back. And since we are this huge bunch of people, who hang out while our kids are playing, I have been trying to get people together to go and see her. Normally I try and pool in resources to pick up gifts, go out and actually buy the gifts ( yeah, yeah I hate thoughtless gifts), etc. Most times I end up forgetting how much and who owes me. I hate that part actually, when people forget when the owe somebody money. I try not to let it get in the way of making somebody happy (huge sucker, huh?).

But I was unable to pull it off this time, and frankly was tired that I had to try so hard. She stays nearby and the hospital was far. People were even saying things like 'Anyway she is going to come home in day or so' and stuff. So this morning, as I was about to start working, I decided to just hang everything and visit that friend. I checked with one person whether she wanted to come along. We stopped at a store, picked up lots of gifts and went visit my friend, Smitha. Since Smitha had not been answering my calls since Monday, I knew I was taking a chance. I was not sure if she was discharged from the hospital either. I checked at the help desk with whatever sketchy information I had. We traced her, only to find out that discharge procedures had started. I ran in, told security that I was here, to help take the patient home (it was not visiting hours!).

Smitha was thrilled. Her thank you note minutes after we left confirmed it. She was depressed that she had no visitors, and she was owing it to post-partum blues. Smitha is new to the city and we are all the people she knew. Yeah, we have not been friends for all that long, but I am glad I went. I really made her day. Sometimes the extra effort is tiresome.There are dozens of opportunities staring you in the face. You might have to go that extra mile, but it is totally worth it.

If I have inspired you into Random Acts of Kindness, do write in and let me know.

Have a nice day!