That's a nice thought - something I just did this week when I called my mother-in-law . . .
Phil - Yes, you are totally right! It's just little kind things that only take a second, that can make someones whole day better.
I was so touched by this, I just reblogged. Your presence has been missed, but I never thought to actually DO something! This is a great reminder. Glad things are back on track!
Margaret - I bet that she was glad to hear from you! I love my mother-in-law to pieces, but I still don't call her as often as I should. I think today would be a good day for that, so thanks for giving me the idea! ;)
Phly, Good luck with the dentist...I did the "$15,000 smile" thing a few years back....my dentist, orthodontist and oral surgeon were on speed dial. I am sure I single handedly paid for their annual vacations! It is amazing how one act of kindness can turn a day or a week around! Best to you!
Susan - Thanks! I have to say, it's nice to be missed! ;) I'm usually good at letting people know what's going on, but it's a little tricky when the dentist is involved. I held off on blogging and commenting because the pain medication and numbing stuff (I can't remember the proper term for it!) can impair judgment, not to mention spelling abilities! I'd much rather wait a bit than accidentally hurt someones feelings but saying something I did not really mean. But I'm back at least until Tuesday, then I have to go back again. But this time I'll be sure to let everyone know in advance so I don't worry anyone. ;)
Deborah - Thanks! I hope that this won't be quite that costly, but it still might pay for a vacation or two! ;) It really was amazing how that one phone call totally changed my day. I found that the rest of the day was great and that I had something nice to say to everyone. It was fantastic! ;)
Phly.....Showing kindness to someone everyday is great for you and the other person. It makes everyone's day alittle brighter.
Phly.....nice to know you're alright....that was good of Bill to call you....but he's a good guy and I'd expect that of him.......
Carra - I like to think of it as good Karma! What goes around comes around, hopefully improving the rest of the world as it moves! ;)
Barbara - Thanks! ;) Bill is a total sweetie, (I think it's a combination of him already being a really nice person, and Liz doing a great job "husband training") and it was really cool of him to make time to call. It was one of those "Oh, that's so sweet!" moments. ;)
Bill Spear deserves the Hero of the Day award for making that phone call! Great job Bill!
It's called being a "blessing" to others. It just makes you feel good. It's something we need to do daily
Phly, that is a great post, a reminder to all of us...
And Robert, I like how you summed it up - lets bless each other with our kind words, when we can. And lets refrain from any UNKIND words
It is much easier to "break" someone's day, than there is to make it...
Phly, This is better than getting a feature :)
Just glad I could help a little and that everything fell into place for you afterwards!
Good to see you back in the Rain!
Phly: Yes root canal sticker shock--I couldn't believe it either. The calls sounds like it was very refreshing. How great!
I'm glad so many people care and can make others know they care! Great feature!
Just got home from discovering the wonders of showing houses again...
Paul
Phly- Someone was told me "It takes a lot of THOUGHT to be Thoughtful". It's the random acts of kindness that we all remember.
What if we all did this? What if we all offered a word of wisdom, of care, of concern. What a difference.
MB
Phly, it is amazing how a positive comment from someone can make such a huge difference.
The olad saying, "it's the little things that count" sure is true isn't it.
Nice story,
Thanks,
Patricia
I think the same act of kindness would have made my day as well. And it has actually happened to me as well. Someone from ActiveRain checked in on me when I had been away for a while. It really meant a lot to me...
... I feel fuzzier now after reading this !
Great points - those seemingly small gestures, can have a large impact !
Cheers Phly ! ... hope tomorrow is even better !
Hi Phly~ It is great to have such caring friends in our lives, virtually and non-virtually! I just loved your story! Isn't it the best feeling in the world knowing that someone actually cares about you and notices that you are gone or that something could be wrong?
Phly, the sugar is love … it’s caring … and indeed it powers the universe. What you experienced was a love directly into your veins … better than any drug. This post is inspiring – flagged for a feature … and now I am going to reach out to another AR member who I have noticed inactive for nearly one month now. It has crossed my mind … my thoughts every time I log in … and until now, I have not acted on it! Thank you and Bill. Blessings … Kathleen
It's nice that someone took the time to make you feel better.
As to sticker shock, there's a company in California - www.newdentalchoice.com - that brings down the cost of dental significantly. I believe it goes into effect the next day. You might want to see if you can find something like this.
Thank you everyone! ;)
To get started:
Craig - Yes, yes he does! ;)
Robert - It's funny how when we try to be a blessing to others, we find that we are to ones truly blessed.
Anna - Thanks! And that's so true! It only takes harsh word to trash someone's whole day. If you feel like biting someone's head off, smile instead. Life will be better for both of you. :)
Liz and Bill - I'm happy to be back! I still can hardly believe that after looking for running shoes for two solid months I suddenly find the perfect pair right after you called! I think some of your good karma/nice guy luck was transferred via cell signal. Thanks again! ;)
Melissa - I think that's why they wait until your face is already numb to tell you how much! My jaw nearly hit the floor when I heard the estimate! :)
J - I'm so glad! Anything at makes someone's day a little brighter is wonderful! ;)
Vince - No way, Julie Andrews is so much hotter than me! ;)
Karen - Thanks! ;)
Paul - Thanks! And I hope your weekend is awesome! :)
Kathy - It's the little things in life that we treasure most. Like smiles, completely spontaneous and yet so effective! Today a complete stranger smiled at me over a stack peaches at the store, and by smiling back I made both our days better. ;)
And now part two!
MB - Right on the button! Wouldn't it be fantastic? ;)
Ted - Life is always better with a bit of love. :)
Patricia - Yes it it! ;)
Terrie - It's such a nice feeling to realize that there are people that care about you everywhere. I love the super sweet people here on AR. It's a totally awesome place where business and friends really do mesh well. ;)
Sheldon - LOL! Have you seen the movie Despicable Me? If not, you really should! Watch for the part with the unicorn. I'm doing fantastic now! It seems that one simply kindness was all I really needed. ;)
Vickie - It's wonderful! ;) Poor Bill is probably going to be embarrassed to death by my touting his kindness, but it really was such a nice thing to do, and it had a huge impact! ;)
Kathleen - What a wonderful idea! ;) It can be hard to pick up the phone and call someone that you have never spoken to in person before, but it's worth getting to know the person. ;)
Christine - Thank you for the link! ;) That's something I had not even thought about, but I'll be sure to check into it!
I believe if someone is not blogging after doing it consistently then there is a problem, either they got their own blog or another issue. I have called folks up too, 9 times out of 10 they are just busy.
I'm going to follow your lead. I had a really bad day on Friday, out of left field. It happens to all of us at one time or another. Be kind!
Isn't that a great feeling? I went camping and received an e-mail from a concerned Rainer. How sweet!
I'm glad things are going better for you. I have some of those nagging dental issues too.
You just reminded me nd I am going to make that call to the elderly lady who lived across the street from where I grew up. I have been meaning to call her but issues keep coming up and getting in the way. I am going to call her after I submitt my comment. Thanks for the reminder.
Phly, Glad you are feeling better. Bill & Liz are great, I had a call from Bill when I pulled a disappearing act recently and it was nice to know that someone noticed...even from so far away!
Take care of yourself & don't worry about the laundry...I'm sure it will still be there when you are up to it! HA!
Phly, Every cent spent on your dentist is a well spent cent! Keep smiling! :)
Keep plugging away at it. Those root canals are expensive, but in the end you will be so happy it is done and over!
It's really lovely to hear that Bill took the time to check in on you and how much better your day ended up being because of it! It is truly these acts of kindness that make the world a better place! I hope the rest of your dental work on Tuesday goes as smoothly as possible.
Phly - Your post got me choked up. When people reach out to one another in care and concern that is definitely us appealing to the higher angels that live within us all. God bless Bill Spear for taking the time to reach out to you. Definitely an angel moment! :)
Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better....but please stay away from those spoonfuls of sugar! :)
Fernando - He's just one of those naturally nice people! ;)
Missy - Good for you! ;) It probably made their day to know that you were thinking of them, even if they were only busy. ;)
Bruce - I'm planning on it! ;)
Pat - You are completely right, all it takes is sometimes one little kindness to make life bright. ;)
Lyn - LOL! It's my day and I'll have a crappy one if it wanna! ;) JK! A positive attitude goes a long way when life throws something not so fun your way. ;) And yes, yes he is!
Janna - Sorry about your bad day. :( I hope that things go much better this coming week!
Debra - Pay it forward and change someone's life for the better. ;)
Cynthia - Totally! ;) People on AR are awesome!
Gene - Thanks! I hope that your dental issues are easily taken care of and get better soon! ;)
Empire - It can get very lonely once your children are grown and gone, so I'm sure that she will be delighted to hear from you. ;)
Jenna - Thanks! ;) The laundry is threatening to stage a revolt and is creeping from the laundry room out into the hall. . . so I think it's time for a Tide intervention! ;)
Barbara - I know! It's funny, the front 2/3s of my mouth is literally perfect. It's my blasted molars that are having the issues. The dentist said that it's hereditary and no amount of brushing or flossing would have helped me. . *sigh* Blasted genetics! ;)
Pam - Any amount of money is worth it at this point if my teeth stop hurting! ;)
Peter - Everyone has those rough patches, what's important is that you keep going and don't give up. I'm not familiar with Reiki healing, but thanks. ;) Namaste.
Chezlene - I've got my fingers and toes crossed! Thanks! ;)
Coleen - It was one of those very sweet moments that makes you stop and say "Today is a great day because I know someone cares!" And no more sugar for me!!! ;)
Phly,
Such a well written post....Firstly, I'd like to say how sorry I am about your dental problems... I've been through it too and the most painful part was the cost.
This is such a wonderful post on gratitude. It's why we're all here on this planet. When a friend reaches out and changes your whole day, your outlook, your energy, they're doing the most precious thing one soul can do for another. Selfless giving is the most valuable of all human traits... acknowledging it is the second.
Sergio
Julie - LOL! ;)
Monica - Sometimes all it takes is a smile. :)
Sergio - Thank you! :) The dentist is one of those necessary things that you just have to put up with, and it can ruin your whole day if you let it. But having great friends, and keeping an optimistic attitude, makes a huge difference. ;)
Phly: What does it take to help make some one feel better or to enquire about them? A few minutes daily can shape someone else's day.
Ty
Ty - It's funny how taking that few minutes to lend an ear to someone, makes both their day and yours so much better! ;)
There are some wonderful caring people here on Active Rain. I feel like a know a lot of them.
I think another appropriate term could be "a random act of kindness"!