trackApr 9
chestas

Two actions today.

1 A tradie came round to fix some leaks. I offered him a tea or coffee, and I've never received so much thanks for such a simple thing

2 A man dropped some shopping near me so I and another lady helped him pick it up. He was visibly choked by this small act and I asked if he was ok, and he mumbled that he was and we went our separate ways.

It strikes me that simple acts of kindness, community building camaraderie, treating people with respect and compassion, are anathema to some, if not many, people. Certainly the reactions I got today were over the top for things I consider to be basic courtesy type actions.

Be kind!

#Kindness #Community

Apr 9 at 5:36amWeb
Show threadJude🇵🇸Apr 9
@chestas 👏👏👏🧡
Show threadDavid W. JonesApr 9
@chestas [Instead of hating your enemy] “On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'” – Romans 12:20
Show threadFardels BearApr 9

@dancingtreefrog @chestas

Love the smell of passive-aggressiveness in the morning. Reminds me of a Ray Bradbury story in which a man goes out and does many acts of random kindness during the day. Returning home in the evening, he asks his wife how her day went. She replies with an equally long list of petty spitefulnesses. Then they agree to swap roles as usual the next day.

Show threadDavid W. JonesApr 9

@riggbeck
I've read that story. 👍

The original proverb it's based on doesn't include the bit about heaping coals on their heads. Sounds to me like the later letter writer maybe had a bit of an axe to grind. 🙂
@chestas

Show threadfluffydotorgApr 9
@chestas I hold the door for colleagues no matter who they are. It's appreciated equally by custodians and executives.
Show threadWm.sonApr 9

@chestas

A small act of kindness may soon be forgotten by the person who acts, but it's long remembered by the person who recieves it.

Well done.

Show threadCzarBucks has moved instances!Apr 9

@chestas

We had a construction project last year that was on permit, so were visited many times by (the same) inspector. I noticed the first time that he sat in his truck wolfing down a sandwich, so I mentioned that he must have a very busy day. He was deprecating, but said yes, he kept going.

Every subsequent time I had something waiting for him - chocolate, a drink, energy bars. At the final inspection he thanked me for my kindness. He knew his stuff, and kept our project and finished rooms safe. I think we helped each other.

Show threadDud and Forgotten.Apr 9
@chestas good manners cost nothing, and are more valuable than diamonds. No idea where that came from, but it's true
Show threadTroubleApr 9
@chestas something as simple as saying "good morning", "thank you", and "have a nice day" cost absolutely nothing but half a breath, and can improve everyone's day, including your own! I always find myself smiling a little after saying that to someone, even in passing.
Show threadnils_bergerApr 10
@chestas it is really shocking how little people care nowadays. I was in a shop the other day when a clerk dropped a box full of items. I helped pick everything up. At first the clerk was confused and asked me to leave it to her. Than she thanked me and told me that it _never_ happens that people help her or her colleagues.
Show threadChookMother 🇦🇺🦘Apr 12
@chestas When I offer tradies a hot or cold drink, they always say "No, I'm right thanks". I think they must have fridges and coffee makers in their big utes.
Show threadchestasApr 12

@anne_twain

That's been my experience before, too. I guess I caught him at the right time

Show threadSteve of MastodonApr 12
@chestas Kindness is the best resistance.
Show threadTimo GrünApr 12
@chestas
Recently, when I see someone I’ve seen around for a while who looks interesting, stylish or just impressive, I’ve started taking the time to stop, say Hi, and acknowledge that I just appreciate their presence. So far, the results have always been very positive.