I try to treat people the way I want to be treated. When I'm out and about I also try to do a "random act of kindness". Sounds cheesy but it's fun to see the expression on peoples face when you do something unexpected. It can be as small as letting someone go in front of you at the grocery store, or holding a door open or a simple smile. Never know when something so simple can change someone's day.
One of the most memorable moments of my life is when I paid a 3.00 tab at Mcdonalds for a girl who had obvious mental disabilities. She turned around and gave me the most loving sincere hug I've ever had in my life. That moment has never left me.
A guy in front of me in the checkout line one day was $.27 short on a 40 ouncer, so I paid it. I still don't know whether I was doing a good deed or enabling an alcoholic. No, he didn't hug me.
First of all because I'm thankfully not a sociopath. Second, I'm selfish: I get a lot of satisfaction making people happy. Third, it makes more sense than not being kind to others: being unkind may lead to some bodily harm or such! Again, I'm selfish in that respect.
Because I'm an atheist and it confuses them. No agenda for going to Heaven and such, just out of the goodness of my heart.
I especially like helping animals, as they neither ask for a reason nor act like ingratiated fools. They accept my kindness for what it is - simple kindness - and get on with their lives.
It hurts me to see others in pain, and it hurts me more to see people causing others pain either with intent or through neglect. I don't want to be the latter.
While I usually don't care about getting recognized for doing nice things, would it be too much to ask for to have naked females throw themselves at me in gratitude once in a while?
Maybe selfish for me, too. Raised in an abusive TBM family, I've had very little love or kindness. In my loneliest times, I discovered that I could fill the immediate space around me with love and kindness--by giving it out. It can alter your world!
Now that I know that the magic man near Kolob isn't there to do it, its a lot harder to sit back and watch people suffer. After leaving the church (and religion), I've done more charity work than I've ever done because I know if I don't do it...children WILL go without presents on Christmas, etc. I just like that I can make a real difference in peoples lives...its a win-win for everybody!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/25/2011 03:02AM by momoney.
Among the many things for which I'm grateful this Christmas Eve, is that I have love in my heart! I have broken the cycle of abuse in my family. I try to help, instead of hinder. In fact, I can't NOT help, if I'm able. Yeah, it has to be in a small way, but it is better than not helping at all. Merry Christmas!
Many reasons 1) I get a selfish kick out of it. 2) I have been in need before and was grateful for whatever help I could get. 3) Jesus wants me to. "Whatever you did for the least of one of these brothers or sisters, you did for me." Matt. 25:40
Is there some benefit from being unkind? Seems to me that there is more of a personal benefit for me if I am kind to other people than if I am unkind. If I am unkind to those around me I will soon find few people around me. Kindness and general politeness tend to garner the same in return. So if I want people to treat me well, I should treat them well. I don't need an old book to tell me that.