Kindness only costs $1.16

Every morning I get up, get the kids ready for the day, take them to daycare/school, and swing by the gas station on my way home for a jumbo Diet Coke. Judge all you want, it’s what works for me right now.

I’ve become friends with the people that work there and I love it. Bruce works the night shift and is always happy because he’s close to going home. Karen is always cranky but smiles through her eye rolls and under her breath comments about people.

Today there was a person checking out at the register next to me and her card we declined. She tried it as credit and again declined. She put half of her items back and paid cash. You could see the embarrassment and worry in her eyes.

I told Bruce to put the rest of her stuff on my tab. The girl gave me a big hug and was so grateful.
Bruce was shocked and in return gave me my drink for free. Everyone was winning.

I don’t tell you this story to brag or claim I’m a saint because I’m FAR from it. I also don’t tell you this story because of the girl’s reaction.

I tell you this story because of Bruce. He could not get over the fact that someone would willingly pay for someone else. Her other items total $1.16. You guys, KINDNESS only cost $1.16 today.

I asked Bruce why he was so shocked. He explained that in his 8 years working there, no one had ever done that. I asked him why and he sat there and thought for a few minutes. He looked up and said, I honestly don’t know. I’m just sad I did not think to pay for her.

It made me grateful that I know who I am. I know what kind of a person I want to be, and everyday I’m being her. I’m glad I’ve found these tools that help be grow and stretch as a person. I’m glad I get to focus on managing my own mind so that I can show up in the world from unconditional love. I’m glad I thought to pay for her. I’m glad my brain showed me a way to give action to what I believe.

Most of all, I’m beyond grateful that I get to share it all with you. Everyone needs these tools. We are all human beings doing our best and this work can take our best to amazing.