Kindness.....how much does it take? (page 2)

Lady Lee

Over the years I have worked with many people who have a variety of disabilities. I have listened to many of them talk about the discourtesy they get from able-bodied people when they are out in public.

So going out in my wheelchair the first few times was a bit tentative not knowing what to expect.

The kindnesses I have recieved have been remarkable. People have offered to open doors for me, push me up slopes, put packages in my bag that hangs on the back of the chair. I have been gob-smacked (love that expression) One young fellow even offered to push me through the mall - although I was a tad ervous about that one.

Simple kindnesses are wonderful. I really appreciate them and they are helping me to open up more to strangers.

It's weird. As an English speaking person who lived in Quebec for almost 40 years I found that I became very closed off when I was in public. This is due in large part to the French language laws that place Anglophones on a lower status than francophones. Many rights are denied English speaking people in Quebec. And after years of this I felt quite unwanted in my province of choice. So I finally left as many thousands of other English speaking people have done. (Add to my list of abuses - political oppression)

Moving west has freed me a lot. I enjoy being free to say hello to the gentleman walking down the block or to my neighbor while we cut the grass. I enjoy the freedom to walk into a store or restaurant and ask for what I want in my own language without having to think about how to say it in French. I have learned to relax a lot. I still have a way to go.

But the kindnesses I have recieved the last few weeks have surprised me. I find myself looking at people more and being more willing to initiate conversations. These kindnesses have sped up my unfolding and increased my sense of freedom in connecting with strangers in the real world

When I left the borg I expected a world of scary people. I was wrong. There are so many wonderful people out there that have no agenda except to be nice.

I am also learning that as I open myself up to others, I get so much more back.

Gopher

Here's one of my favorite songs when I was a child, by Glen Campbell. He's an American popular singer, and may not be so well known across the Atlantic. But here goes:

TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS

Glen Campbell

If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and stay you're going the wrong way

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

Don't walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

Gopher

I totally agree with Lady Lee. I am walking-impaired, and most frequently used a walker or wheelchair in public, which is quite unusual for someone as young as I am.

But in general, people are so helpful -- opening doors, carrying food to my table at quick-food restaurants, whatever they can to make my life a little easier.

Most people are very helpful and empathetic. Not what one might expect having grown up in the Borg, being told that everyone out there is very unkind and hateful. What a smear that is. My faith in humanity has been greatly aided by seeing people's reactions to my disability.

Guest 77

When Paul enumerated the fruits of the spirit in Galations 5:22-24, he says, "Against such things there is no law."

Guest 77

jayhawk1

An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up. Proverbs 15:1.

Kindness and a smile can go a long way to fixing a foul mood. Scoobysnax, I can't argue with that. Since I have not been feeling well lately, it has been hard to find much joy, but you made me feel a little better with this post.

RAYZORBLADE

That's all it takes.

Someone holding a door for you, someone saying 'thank you' and 'you're welcome', make all the world of difference.

Nice thread Scoobz.

Lady Lee, how could anyone not want to push you, not only across the shopping mall, but clear across Winnipeg, if necessary?

I would. But we'd have to make a few pitstops along the way, I hope you won't mind.

Small seemingly insignificant gestures, can make the world of difference for people.

Never be afraid to do the most miniscule of tasks.

franklin J

I agree, a smile , a handshake and a good positive attitude go a long way

frank

bebu

Eccles 9:14 There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siegeworks against it. 15 Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.

I read an interesting (Jewish?) interpretation for this: the powerful king is evil; but the "poor man" that overcame the king was 'virtue'.

It is interesting that "nobody remembered the poor man". It is so easy to forget the power of a simple virtue as kindness... So easily overlooked.

Mother Theresa stated that it isn't always possible to do great things for God, but it is always possible to do small things with great love. Small actions aren't out of our reach.

bebu

Kindness.....how much does it take?

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