Today was one of those days when I was reminded that kindness truly is contagious, and I had the honor of being at both the giving and receiving ends of kindness. One of the things that I did for myself and for someone else occurred in an unlikely place, the eye doctor’s office. As nice as the staff is at my eye doctor’s office, this is the one annual appointment I dread the most for a several reasons. I dislike having my pupils dilated, because even now, hours after receiving ‘reversal’ drops, my eyesight remains somewhat blurred, and I also feel an irrational self-imposed pressure to be able to identify even the most miniscule letters on the eye chart. So, as tempting as it was to cancel or skip the appointment altogether, I value my eye sight and want to do my part to take good care of my eyes. Sometimes, doing the best thing for myself may not be the easiest thing to do, but it ends up being the right thing.
When I arrived for my scheduled appointment, the receptionist said that I did not have an appointment. I was slightly annoyed and asserted that I did have a 3:30 p.m. appointment today, and after consulting her computer, she said that I had canceled and rescheduled today’s appointment, which I explained that I had not. After some discussion with other staff members, the receptionist assured me that I would be seen for my annual exam today, even though they did not have me down for the appointment. So, by the time, the medical assistant came to get me for the exam thirty minutes after my appointment time, I was feeling frustrated, to say the least. However, my frustration faded away thanks to the cheerful disposition of the medical assistant, and thanks to her lead, I was able to do something kind for her in return, without even realizing it, at first.
She is one of the those people who it is simply impossible to be in a bad mood around, and we instantly struck up a conversation that covered a variety of topics that ranged from hair care to our children. We shared a light-hearted chat and some laughs, and by the time the doctor was ready to do the exam, I was disappointed that our conversation was about to end. As she prepared to leave the exam room, I thanked her for her assistance, and she smiled and responded, “No, thank you. It has been a really long day, and it was so nice to end it on a good note with you. You really cheered me up.” Here I thought she was the one cheering me up! It was a great reminder that sometimes the smallest of acts, like speaking kindly to others, really can change someone’s day and brighten their mood, as it did both of ours.
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
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I can only imagine the frustration from the appointment mishap and what a nice surprise/feeling to have brightened her day and her yours! 🙂
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It definitely was a pleasant surprise after a rocky start!
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I was reminded of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl2_knlv_xw, I am not sure if you have seen it, but it’s such a heartwarming reminder to be kind and smile and it made me think of you and your dedication to both. We don’t know what other’s are going through and they us and sometimes the smallest gestures can make such a difference! So keep doing what you do best! ❤
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Thank you so much for sharing that; it was truly beautiful!
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You are welcome, I am glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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It is amazing sometimes when the smallest of kindnesses (like saying hello to someone) can brighten their day. One never knows how fragile or lonely or in need of comfort another person is.
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Elizabeth, that is so very true, and it is a lesson that I continue to learn and be reminded of on a daily basis.
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