SPECIAL EDITION: Movement of Kindness A few months ago, I began challenging my friends and family to do 3 acts of selfless kindness each day, no matter how big or small. Each act breaks through the negativity and darkness that surrounds us all. We all experience difficult times. We are all interconnected. Therefore, social interaction is powerful amongst loved ones and amongst strangers. As a reminder, I give examples of my acts to hopefully inspire you to do something similar rather than looking for recognition or reciprocal karma. Hence the emphasis on selfless. Just as long as we are all mindful and respectful of one another with a dose of positivity. 1. I held the elevator for a man who appeared to be in a hurry behind me. I could have just gone up, but I waited a few seconds to let him catch it. Small deed but a good one. 2. Yesterday on my walk to the metro station, I dropped by to visit my homeless friends, Angela and Terry, who live outside of Macy’s at Metro Center. They are the ones who recently lost their one-week old son. They truly have the most positive outlook on life. He is always reading his Bible and holding her hand. So sweet. They were told they were approved for housing, but they may have to wait another year because of the long waiting list. They can’t stay in temporary shelter because they would not be allowed to keep their things. Plus it’s dangerous, and they always contract lice and diseases when they stay in those shelters. So they live outside. It started getting pretty cold up here in D.C. I’m concerned. Their wheel broke on their cart where they store all their belongings. They never ask me for any money. They always open their arms waiting for their hug when I walk by. As soon as they see me coming, they yell, “SHANNON” with big smiles on their faces. Probably because I talk to them and treat them respectfully. I don’t judge or shame them. We are now friends. And yes, I hug them almost every single day. I wanted to give them the money to get a new cart, but all I had was $5 cash. I told them I hope they are able to get the rest of the money to fix their cart. Of course, they acted as if I gave them $100 bill. They are such grateful people. I only budget $60 each month to give to charities/fundraisers/donations. I’m near my $60 and have other things I want to give my money to. If they don’t have that cart fixed by the end of the month, I’ll dip into my grocery budget and work within my means. It began to rain while I was standing there talking to them. Terry said, “Oh no, Shannon it’s raining. You don’t have an umbrella.” I replied, “I have one in my back pack. Please stay warm and bundled up. See you tomorrow.” Here he lives in the elements, and he’s concerned about my commute to my home. These two are going to tell such an inspiring story someday. 3. I was sitting on the bus last night and saw the most frail, elderly woman slowing climb onto the bus with her cane and shopping bag. I’ve never seen anyone move so slow. She sat down in front, and within moments she chimed into a conversation with two men about the Beatles. They were all talking about different bands and how music has changed over the years. The conversation was sparked as we rode by the Fillmore music venue in downtown Silver Spring. She may have been physically weak, but that woman had gumption! She couldn’t see well and kept asking “Is this Chesapeake?” I finally told her, “Ma’am, I’m getting off at Chesapeake. I’ll request the stop.” As we approach our stop, I told her that this was our stop. She didn’t hear me. So I repeated myself. She was the cutest little thing. She thanked the bus driver as did I (always do), and climbed out of the monstrosity. With as slow as she walked, she would have been soaked by the time she arrives anywhere. I asked her where she was headed as I put my umbrella over her head. She told me which house she lives in, which was just a block over from mine. So I walked with her, and we had the most interesting conversation. She introduced herself as Andrea. Andrea invited me in because she wanted to show me her 100-year old bungalow and artwork collection. I had worked late, and I was hungry and wet. I needed to go let my dog out. But I agreed to come in for a little bit because I could tell she really needed someone to talk to. In fact, I’m interested in a program that helps seniors break out of isolation and have opportunities to give and receive social interaction. I carried her bag of whiskey and sweaters inside. Her house smelled like my favorite incense “Nag Champa.” She had art from all over the world. She told me the stories behind almost all of them. She asked me if I wanted some whiskey or wine. I told her I needed to get home, but I walk by her house all the time with my dog. So I assured her I’d be back for that glass of wine and great conversation. She has traveled all over the world but raised in India. Andrea’s a feisty liberal who has lived in Maryland for over 30 years but has a slight British accent. You should have heard her talk about how bizarre Ted Cruz is. LMAO! I gave her my card with my cell phone number. I have no idea how she gets around with all the stairs and tall ceilings. She has light bulbs out, and her mantle could use a dusting. So I told her to call me if she needs help with anything. She thanked me for being so kind to her, and she welcomed me to the neighborhood. She has a disabled son, but I can tell she doesn’t have a lot of people in her life. It looks like Andrea has a new BFF. Me. Folks, this is what life is all about! This rhino is just one of her pieces, which was made by fabric. Her friend made it in Kenya, if I remember correctly.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:30:25 +0000
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