Kindness

I was having a rough day. I was not in the mood to talk to, look at, nor interact with other people in any way, shape, or form. I was wearing my sunglasses when it wasn’t all that bright out. I was quite clearly sporting a scowl.

I had to stop and put gasoline into Gustavo, my car pictured above, on my way to another busy day full of errands. I pulled up to the pump that was the furthest away from civilisation but didn’t block the diesel station. I kept my eyes on my car and the pump. My entire body language read “leave me alone, don’t talk to me”.

That’s when everything changed. A gentleman that was walking towards a utility truck parked at the other side of the lot stopped mid step, turned around, walked over to me and complimented my car. He told me how much he loved the colour and how cool it was. I loosened up, smiled, thanked him, and went back to the task at hand.

Now I’m minding my own business again; almost finished fuelling Gustavo. As I’m about to return the pump to it’s home, a different man parked at the next pump comes over to me. He told me that my car is his favourite colour then added how impressed he is that I can drive “a stick” because it’s a lost art. I thanked him and agreed.

By this time the scowl is gone. I’m smiling just standing there. All because strangers took the time out of their day to be kind to me. They had NO idea the impact their words made on me that morning.

We never know what someone else is going through. We don’t know their struggles nor their triumphs. Try to be kind to everyone. If you see something you like, whether it be clothes, a smile, or property, have the courage to tell the owner. It may just turn their day around.