A couple of weeks ago I was at the mall with my daughter. She doesn’t walk yet so I put her in her stroller and cruised the stores to see the latest fall fashions. Years of experience buying clothes for celebrities and working in the film business has made me a bit of a power shopper. I can zoom through a store, scour a sale and pretty much sum up an entire collection in just a few seconds. My fast paying, multi-bag carrying, in-and-out techniques were a bit rusty with my big heavy stroller, diaper bag and garment grabbing baby. More than a few times she pulled piles of clothing off a low display table or a cluster of hanging garments off of a rack. It was your typical shopping with an infant, slow going, difficult maneuvering and overall tiring by the end.

Unexpectedly as I was about to head out the door, I heard my name paged over the mall’s intercom system. Panicking, I hurried to the information booth only to find out I had dropped my wallet, and a good samaritan had then luckily turned it in. I was oblivious to the fact that it was missing, but completely grateful it was returned. Apparently I had dropped in on the escalator. You see, the elevator had a huge line-up of other strollers, and buggies, so thought I’d be creative and tip my stroller to ride the moving stairs. Unaware, my wallet must have tumbled out. (Oops!)

There was no name or mention of who returned it and thankfully everything was still there. It was one of those times that makes you humbly feel grateful to the kindness and honestly of another human being. I wish I could have thanked this individual in person; possibly they will miraculously read the words of this post and know the level of my appreciation. Mostly importantly I was moved by the kindness that came from them to return it and ask for nothing, no praise, gesture of gratitude or small compensation.

With that experience in mind, I am happy to say November 13th is the date of World Kindness day. According to http://www.kindness.com.au/:

“The purpose of World Kindness Day is to look beyond ourselves, beyond the boundaries of our country, beyond our culture, our race, our religion; and realize we are citizens of the world.

As the name implies, World Kindness Day is about being kind to the world. The only planet in our solar system known to be teeming with life. It’s all we have, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to make it the nicest place to live in.”

It is easy to see the importance of such a day and the meaning behind being kind to our earth and the people who live here. It is a good opportunity to teach our children, who are the future of our existence that kindness goes along way and does a great deal of good.

Just to add to the load of responsibilities you already have, you may want to take a moment tomorrow to exude kindness to your children, your spouse, a friend and even a stranger. It sounds like a lot, but you will feel so good inside after doing it. There IS something magical and contagious when one person is kind to the other and this is the perfect opportunity to go all out. In our busy world it is easy not to even look up as we rush through our day to deal with crying, screaming, breaking, spilling things our kids throw our way. Mine got his sister to crawl into the shower, clothes and all, before he turned on the water.

Standing in my soapbox,

JB

I’d love to hear about what you did and how you enjoyed World Kindness day, send me a comment and it could be posted at the end of the month in our new, “Mom’s Say” response segment.

Here are some suggestions from a PBS article on how you and your family could share World Kindness Day at no cost.

1. Leave something special on the neighbor’s doorstep. Flowers, a baked good, an invitation to share a meal.

2. Make your kid’s bed. Do the one chore your kid hates the most for him/her.

3. Make a contribution toward this very important fund. Change and one dollar bills from piggy banks count too.

To contine reading this list, click here.