Monday, September 10, 2012

Stolen Thoughts

I was reading Lisa's blog this morning over at Diary of a Square Toothed Girl.   Lisa is a friend of mine, with a huge heart, a huge personality, a huge love for Diet Coke and a huge ability to love others.   She's been having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day week month . . . it's not been much fun.  But Lisa is strong and amazing and she'll be fine.   This morning she wrote about "The Smallest Kindness."  If you're like me, you dream about making a difference in the world.   I would love to make people's lives easier and would love to make bad things good.   Sometimes, though, it feels overwhelming because I don't have the resources to change people's lives . . . at least, that's what I think sometimes.   True, I don't have zillions of dollars to pay off people's mortgages or anything big like that.   But Lisa taught a great lesson (or gave us all a great reminder of something we already know).  She said this of her terrible horrible no good very bad time - -

And here's what I've learned: the smallest kindness means the world.
The words, "I'm so sorry" feels like a hug. 
A kind word, email, text or phone call
appears as the greatest gift anyone could ever give.

So, I guess my Monday morning advice to myself (and anyone else who wants it) is to change the world one hug, one kind word, one email, text or phone call at a time.

BUT . . .

I did read about a Michigan car dealer (Howard Cooper) this morning who was retiring.   He was so grateful to his employees for the great job they had done for him over the years that he gave each of them, as a parting thank you gift, a check - - $1,000 bonus for each year they had worked for him!  Many employees had been there for 40 years. 

 "I wanted to thank my employees and that was a way I could do it. I hope it makes a difference in their lives like they have made in mine."

The car dealership GM said Cooper is more like a father figure than a boss to many workers. "It's a unique automobile dealership," Davis said. "Howard never puts anything before employees."

But, I will go throughout the rest of the day hugging, emailing, texting or calling. . . . and trying not to cry because my boss is not like that :)

29 comments:

  1. That was one generous boss...they are few and far between. However, if all of us adopted your new viewpoint, that would be a massive change for many many people who are having a stinking no good lousy kind of a day/week/month.

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  2. so true and how do we miss it so many times--this week i will try and be more aware---omgosh---i wish my husband's boss was just a tenth like this man!

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    1. i know, Lynn - - all we really need to do is be more around of those around us! And, I feel ya about your husband's boss :)

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  3. A thoughtful word can really mean a lot. Thanks for the reminder! And that was one really nice boss!

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    1. I'm sure he changed a few lives with his gesture :)

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  4. Wow. That's all I can say. About the boss, at least!

    Remember the movie Pay it Forward? Your post today reminded me of that movie. I love the concept! I wish I could remember to always strive to be the kind of person who can make a difference in this sort of way . . . my inner bitch spends too much time out, rather than in, though. :\

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    1. I love that movie - - although I just sob every time the boy does and his mother drops to the floor in the hospital - - and I cry the rest of the movie until it ends. And I vow never to watch it again because I cry so much. Great movie!!!

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  5. When I was going through one of the hardest times in my life, a woman at church (who knew nothing of my difficulties) stopped me and told me how much she appreciated me and my friendship. It was the greatest thing anyone could have done for me. It's been over ten years since that happened, but I think of it often.
    We all can make a difference,but we often need to be reminded to. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. Those are the people who usually don't know how amazing they are and what a powerful impact they have had on someone's life.

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  6. Life is so hard. We never know what kind of pain people walk around in. Thats what I love about being in Celebrate Recovery. It provides a safe place for anyone who is dealing with a hurt, habit or hang-up. I have learned so much about not being judgmental towards people. We are all hurting on the inside. Smiles and hugs and any kind word can bring hope. And living with hope is one of the greatest gifts God gave us! Great post! And I will be praying for her.

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    1. Hope - - the best four letter word ever invented!

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  7. Millions of years ago when I was a freshman or sophomore in high school, a very popular girl said hi to me in the hall way one morning after early morning seminary. I can remember that to this day. She was never rude or unkind, but the extra effort to say hello meant the world to a gawky young woman who always felt too tall. Little things can mean a lot.

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    1. And you remember it. We all remember those little things! What a difference we can all make by doing the little things!

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  8. Just your post has cheered me up today...and a call from my best friend in Texas....where I live haf the year.

    I can think of so many kindnesses over the years...but after reading this...I promise to put my best foot forward..and pass it on.

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    1. A call from a friend is one of the best gifts!!!

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  9. Sometimes it's hard to find stuff to be thankful for, but thinking of one good thing every day does help.

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    1. I think for me sometimes it's hard to find BIG things to be thankful for, but there always seem to be a thousand little things to be grateful for that mean so much more than the big things.

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  10. Funny how often a small gesture or a few words can impact a person. This one really touched home today. Thank you.

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    1. It's kind of like one of those things that seem too good to be true - - all I have to do is say hello???? or smile???? or open a door???? Yes, that's all we have to do to lift someone up :)

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  11. Oh Judy.. I so needed this post.. Its so true and believe it or not, I get a lot of those "hugs" just from reading your posts. This was truly touched my heart, it is everything I have known to be true and right my whole life.. I wish I had a money tree to take away the stress of this materialistic world for so many but like you I will pass on "hugs" however and whenever I can. Thank you for this. *You* have made a difference.. xoxoxxo

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  12. maybe you can extend a kindness to your boss that makes him realize he too should be paying it forward

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    1. I come in and work everyday, Daryl - - that's a kindness in itself! haha

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  13. Yes..so true Judy. The smallest of gestures can make someones day or give them a little hope when they have none.

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    1. Why do we all seem to forget that sometimes?!

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  14. WOW I wish my last boss were that generous! We asked for raises and a 401K and got our hours cut. :/ Enjoyed the posting today

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