Before the days of EZ Pass, a motorist in front of me paid for my toll. A similar thing happened at a Starbucks drive-through. Strangers have handed me coupons in stores. Once someone gave my family a free movie ticket. We have come home to find garden vegetables on our doorstep. In Switzerland, a very nice lady walked me across town to help me find my destination. A couple we never saw paid for my family’s dinner at an expensive restaurant.
I am amazed at the generosity of strangers. People do nice things for other people all the time without any thought of repayment. Smiles are smiled, compliments are given, we exchange jokes with strangers, and hold doors for each other. I have noticed this behavior in rural Illinois and bustling New York City.
Sometimes it feels wonderful to do a good deed just because we can. Why do we like doing random acts of kindness? Because we imagine how the recipient feels. Likely they have a flash of surprise, which turns into a warm, happy feeling, which may last the rest of the day or longer.
Is there something you can do for your members* – just because?
*This applies to attendees too!
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