After getting into my car Saturday morning, I noticed a hand-written note on my windshield. It had a quote on either side.
One side read, "It takes courage to be kind." -- Maya Angelou
The other side read, "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention." -- Kahill Gibran
I have no idea who left it for me, or whether it was meant to be left for me. But it came at a perfect moment.
I was feeling a bit anxious and frustrated about an interaction I had the day before. My mood was a bit down and I was feeling distracted. The note was like a message from The Universe saying, "It's all good, baby, baby!"
My anxiousness and frustration melted away. The only bummer is that I don't know who to thank for the note and its perfect timing. But that doesn't take away from the fact that it made my day.
It's a great reminder that the smallest acts of kindness can indeed make a huge impact. And we don't need to be recognized or acknowledged for those acts of kindness to get all the feels about brightening someone's day. We can simply trust that we put a smile on someone's face or shifted their mood.
It reminds me of Jim Carrey, who supposedly writes "Have a nice day" on $100 bills and just drops them in random places. I like to imagine he's never seen anyone actually pick up the money, but that doesn't prevent him from feeling good about making someone else feel good.
What small thing can you do today to make someone else feel good?
Make it a great day!
Coach Chris