Small Acts of Kindness Can Transform the World

Scott Adams might be best known for the creation of his comic strip Dilbert, but for me, his most memorable words written are “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” How true are those words for both the giver and the receiver? If you have ever performed an act of kindness then you already know how good it makes you feel. In that moment everything about the world seems better and brighter. The experience is reciprocal for the receiver. As the realization that someone has done a kindness for them dawns the world stops spinning for but a moment. It has the capacity to turn about someone’s entire day. If but for a moment the sad will smile, the angry will rejoice, and the lonely feel loved.  Even bystanders days are brightened by witnessing a random act of kindness. 

The problem is that life is busy. Sometimes it can be hard to look past the bills, the chores, the hustle and bustle of raising families and taking care of children. It’s easy to forget there are other people in this world. People who just need a small reminder that they’re not alone. People who could use a helping hand. Recently I had family in town visiting and we decided to spend the day at Sea World. 

Sponsored post by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own

It was the very first visit for both of my nieces and their papa was intent on making the day special for all of the girls. They took in every show,  squealed over the nursery dolphins, enjoyed  face painting and indulged in one too many sweets. In short, it was shaping up to be an ideal day for our three and five year olds. 

For lunch we stopped at one of the park restaurants and sat down with trays laden with food and souvenir cups. It was about that time that groups of children started to file into the restaurant. Clearly it was a class field trip. I watched their happy faces as they sat down their packs and lined up at the buffet. But then I noticed that a few children didn’t get up from the tables to purchase a lunch. I looked on as it became apparent that these children did not have money for lunch that day. Looking at the faces of my nieces and my daughter I thought about how fortunate they were. How fortunate we were.

I’m the person who rarely carries cash but on that day I happened to have $35 in my wallet. The exact amount necessary to purchase lunch for the 6 students left sitting at the table. After speaking with a chaperone it was arranged to purchase their lunches. I’ll NEVER forget the way their faces lit up when they realized they would be eating lunch that day. 

There’s a lot of darkness in this world. By doing a small act of kindness for someone we can be the spark that spreads light. Who knows how far and wide it can spread from there? 

The Vaseline Healing Project at Walmart is working to spread small acts of kindness in its aid effort with DirectRelief. Each year Direct Relief distributes relief kits, packs, and modules to assist thousands of people in the US and around the world. In 2016, for every Vaseline lotion or jelly purchase made, a healing donation of $0.02 up to $1 million dollars will be made to support Direct Relief. 

Additionally, Vaseline® Jelly and lotions are included in Direct Relief’s hygiene & family emergency kits and backpacks for first responders. These support low-income families and people affected by natural disasters. You can help spread the kindness by building a virtual relief kit.

Vaseline Jelly has already been included in the kit, you can choose from a variety of kit items that represent of the types of supplies provided by Direct Relief. Such as rubbing alcohol, surgical gloves, band aids, antibiotic ointment and more. You’re “virtual kit” is then donated as a dollar equivalent towards Direct Relief’s kit programs, directly helping to improve the health of people in need.

Sponsored post by Lunchbox. All opinions are my own.