One good thing that I did today was planned, and the other good thing that I did today was unplanned. One of them cost money, and the other one was free. In addition to both of them being positive, the other thing that they had in common was that they both took place in a local grocery store.
When I was under the weather over the weekend, it gave me time to review how well I take care of myself on a daily basis. While I have re-established a regular workout regiment, take the appropriate supplements and vitamins, and do my best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I honed in on one particular area in need of improvement-my diet. Actually, it would be more accurate to say, my diet when my two daughters are with their dad.
When my daughters are at our home with me, I make sure that we have well-balanced, healthy meals, because I want to teach them about good nutrition and keep them strong, healthy, and well. It is a different story when I am home alone. It is tough to cook for one person, so, I typically just heat up a can of soup or have a bowl of cereal, and I find that I scrimp on fresh fruit and vegetables. Just like I save the good china for guests, I save the good food for my daughters. Today, I set out to change that with a trip to the grocery store to stock up on ingredients to make some meals for myself, as I realize that my health is as important as my daughters’ health, and I need to consistently eat well and treat myself with as much love and care as I do my daughters.
Once I finished my grocery shopping, I headed to the check out lane, where I was assisted by a sweet and shy young man with Down’s Syndrome. Donald meticulously and silently bagged my groceries in record time, and after I thanked him and began to leave, he broke his silence. He handed me a green piece of paper about an on-line survey I could complete to give the store feedback about my shopping experience and the customer service I received today. As I took the paper from his hand, he quickly and quietly asked if I would please fill out the survey to let the management know how he was doing in his job and to have a chance to enter a sweepstakes. I normally don’t participate in these type of surveys and did not care about entering the sweepstakes, but I did care about Donald. When I told him that I would be more than happy to fill out the survey to tell his boss what an excellent job he did, Donald made eye contact with me, grinned widely, and exclaimed, “Awesome!” He high-fived me, and I went home to fill out the survey, as promised. It takes so little time to recognize a job well done by the people we encounter in our daily lives, and the world needs more kind words and praise to negate the glut of harsh criticism and gossip. I know that I made Donald’s day, and truth be told, he made mine.
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
That's Another Story 
Wonderful post…thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog post and for sharing your positive feedback!
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Love it. Your story struck me because I have a retarded friend and bagger at my grocery store. He is from Indiana. Its so fun to talk with him bc not very many people do, but because we are “neighbors” from KY and In, we have found common ground. He likes me to come in on Fridays so he can tell me what’s going on back home based on what was in the USA Today witch he faithfully reads, and whenever I go home I bring him back to Az some local Lou/In newspapers. And as much as I hate to grocery shop, I love seeing him. and he will make a bee line for me across the store or parking lot whenever he sees me. Like you, the kindness we share (and I am very much a recipient of it as well) helps to nurture both of our souls. I am sure of it. …..as to the diet, I’m glad you’re trying to eat more real meals when the girls aren’t with you. Remember, I think it was Virginia Wolfe who said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” You rock, KJ!
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Shannon, thanks so much; I appreciate it! I am blessed to know a number of people who have Down’s Syndrome (the preferred term), one of them being my niece, and I delight in our interactions, as they are genuine. What a small world that your friend is from Indiana!
Thanks for sharing the Virginia Wolfe quote, as I had not ever come across it, and it is a keeper. To that, I will say, eat, drink, and be merry!
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Thank you. 2 simple words, such tremendous meaning…
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It is said that “thank you” is the most powerful prayer there is, and I tend to agree. Thanks for your comments!
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