The other day someone asked me, of all the things I do, what do I like to do the most. I would have to say nothing delights me more than doing something nice for an unsuspecting stranger for no other than reason than it feels so good to do so. Anything from helping a mum ladden with bags of shopping and screaming kids to her car, sharing a hot meal with a homeless woman on the busy streets of Melbourne or polishing up the memories of the elderly by listening to their stories about life. For me the secret to creating a life of fulfillment lies in my willingness to grow and contribute past myself.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of giving and receiving many random acts of kindness, several of them to and from total strangers.
The latest happened just recently when I was invited to be a guest on a TV show being filmed in Sydney. Due to a slight miss communication, my worst nightmare eventuated and I showed up on the wrong set! Nothing like discovering you’ve got ten minutes to get to the other side of town in Sydney’s peak hour traffic. Now I have to say I’m very proud of my ability to manage my emotional state when the pressure’s on but this really tested me. With time ticking by and no vacant cabs in site, I raced into a nearby shop and asked if they could help me out by ordering me a cab.
Then just as I finished speaking with the shop assistant, an amazing woman appeared out of no where. Sensing my concern she piped up and said “I’ve got some time to spare, how about I take you to where you need to go”. She went on to explain she had been a rep in Sydney for years, was a great driver and her car was right outside ready and waiting. OMG the relief, I could have burst into tears on the spot. Giving her a warm hug, I thanked her and we immediately headed outside.
As we started to walk down the street, she pointed to a gleaming white Mercedes convertible parked on the other side of the road. Sinking into the plush leather seats I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I couldn’t believe my luck. One minute I was desperately trying to flag down a cab. Next minute I’m laughing and joking in a Mercedes convertible with a woman I’ve known for five minutes but feel like I’ve known my whole life.
The funniest part was when her boyfriend called enroute and asked where she was. ”I’m just taking someone into the city” she said. ”Who is it” he asked. Arriving at my destination we turned and looked at each other then burst out laughing. It just suddenly dawned on us that we didn’t even know each others name. We quickly exchanged business cards making a pact to catch up for lunch next time I’m in Sydney.
Now I have no idea whether we have been brought together for a reason, season or lifetime . All I know is that I am so grateful to Michelle for extending her hand in friendship and helping me turn lemons into lemonade!
Please feel free to share the random acts of kindness you’ve either given or received below. I’d love to read about them.
Lyndsey you certainly did luck in that day! I performed a random act of kindness some years ago which led to a long term friendship. I was on board a Qantas flight to Singapore when the person next to me appeared unwell. I called the flight attendants and by the time they got to us she had fainted onto my shoulder. My husband moved to a another seat and after being given some oxygen she came to but was very unsettled. So I laid her head on my lap and nursed her until we reached our destination about 4 hours later. Upon our arrival in Singapore she insisted we meet her boyfriend and arrange to have dinner in Singapore as a way of thanks. To our complete surprise my husband and her boyfriend knew each other and worked together some years earlier. we have remained friends and she descrpbes me as her good samaritan who saved her life on that flight! In general people love to help others in distress, so I say help when you can and ask for help when you need it. MaryAnne Bennie