Taking Kindness To The Next Level

Great opportunities to help others seldom come,
but small ones surround us every day.
~Sally Koch

While out and about running errands I had made a stop into one of the local stores to use the DIY photo finishing machines for an 8x10 enlargement.   I began to use one of the machines but, for some reason the photo was now opening with a different orientation at the store than it had at home (landscape instead of portrait), creating all sorts of problems in completing my finished project.  Tina, the salesperson came from around the counter, unsolicited to try to lend a hand.  She tried every creative thing she could think of until ultimately she had exhausted all the options.   I told her that I was just fine with the finished product.  I thanked her with all the appreciation that I could possibly work into the close of the sale and a goodbye.

Earlier that day I had been listening to an inspirational talk by Joyce Meyer about giving and she suggested that we should take our giving “to the next level”.     So I started thinking about how could I take everyday kindness to the next level and what that might look like,  for example,  showing my appreciation to Tina, the salesperson- how would I take that to the next level.    I pondered it for a little bit and then it came.   I’ll take it up a notch by letting Tina’s manager know about how exceptional she is.   

Being kind, thankful and appreciative of those who serve us is always a wonderful way to express kindness.   And taking it to the next level when the situation arises may serve to boost someone’s confidence; help with a performance evaluation, promotion, raise, and in this vulnerable economy may even help when jobs are at stake. 

Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love. 
~Lao Tsu

Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.
~  Blaise Pascal

How can we take some everyday kindness to the next level?

Doreen