Generally, I cringe at the idea of writing about something like this because in my mind, “random acts” are best done when there isn’t a motive to talk about it, monetize it, or make a movie about it. Frankly, I used to be bombarded on the daily basis with media that was covered in a “good intention” but actually was a ploy for popularity. Turns out, I was operating in a completely jaded and emotional space. Hear me out though. It wasn’t until I met someone who was completely kind to me randomly and was doing so consistently that I realized I had my own emotional healing to do.
Meet Gail.
The person who taught me about unconditional kindness & that “random acts of kindness” really DO matter.
The day I first met Gail, you could say I was a little stressed. I had just made it to the peer support meeting. I had fought hard to get there but I was committed to attend, and going back on my word is not and was not something I was willing to do no matter how inconvenient it may appear. I walked into the doorway and sat down next to her unknowing that she was about to change the way I thought over the next 10 years (for the better!)
She applied & reapplied her lipstick at least five times during the meeting, consistently sipped her half sweet half unsweet tea while her overstuffed purse nearly tumbled into my seat. She was perceptive and pleasant as she quietly observed and actively listened to those who were sharing. At the end of the hour, I stood up to leave. As I did, she approached me with a knowing twinkle in her eye and introduced herself while proceeding to inquire politely about my day, my process, and my journey. Naturally, I responded with a curt terse response as I was unfazed by her pleasant demeanor.
This response didn’t phase her at all- in fact, it may have contributed to her momentum! She greeted me each day the same way and on the 3rd day she began bringing me random things. A card. Nail Polish. A book. The list went on and on until finally I was so uncomfortable receiving this kindness that I stopped going to the meetings. Well, that and circumstances I’ll share about at a later time. Let me tell you though, that did NOT stop Gail. She seemed to show up anywhere and everywhere! Gas station, dollar general, and even the grocery store. Finally, I heard myself saying “Why do you keep bringing me things? WHAT do you WANT from me?” Her response was the beginning of our friendship & the beginning of what would be the most consistently unconditional loving person I have experienced. She responded with a soft knowing smile, dropped her eyes briefly before stating, “Nothing. I don’t want anything at all. I just wanted you to know that someone was thinking GOOD things of you and felt like you needed a reminder”.
Yeah, I had nothing. I didn’t believe her based on the emotional baggage I was still carrying around. What I want you to know is that to this day, I find myself STILL offering small tokens and thoughtful gifts because Gail used it as a way to pry into my cold steel heart back in 2013. It was then that I began to truly understand that the “random acts of kindness” really do matter.
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