This is the face of kindness.

My grandmother is 86.

She has lived and breathed kindness her whole life, serving her family, physical and religious communities, and the elder community.

As a child, my mom often relied on family support so that she could work, and my grandparent's home was where I spent quite a bit of time. When I reflect on this time, I recall memories that:

• We volunteered to support church dinners. Grandad would cook. Grandmom and I would set up, clean up, and help serve the food.

• We walked to raise money for cancer research

• We sold Tootsie Rolls for the Knights of Columbus

• We gathered items for a neighborhood yard sale to raise money for local charities

• We worked at local senior centers, cooking, serving, and cleaning

• We brought meals to neighbors during times of need

• We greeted church members each Sunday as they entered the church

• We donated money in the Salvation Army bucket whenever we saw a bellringer

• We generously offered to the Veterans for our yearly poppy

• And more [1]

I witnessed extreme kindness, generosity, and gratitude at a very young age. Kindness is in our nature and our nurture.

Kindness shaped my character.

As I prepared to see my grandmother this fall, my well-laid plan of when and where I would travel from, as well as when I would arrive was turned up on its head. It was the most beautiful experience to be fully present and aware of so many things we've discussed in Curated Conversations. [2]

While my travel experience touched on every topic we've covered this year, kindness was at the top of my mind, and I sprinkled that sh*t everywhere I went.

• On the phone with Jet Blue after they canceled my flight and rebooked me out of a different airport, in a different state, at a different time. I was kind and understanding. The person on the other end thanked me for my kindness and compassion

• At Enterprise, when I arrived a day late, at midnight, a young man had to tell me he didn't have the car I reserved but could give me a free upgrade to a brand-new Jeep Wrangler [3]

• At the hotel, when I arrived late and exhausted, there was confusion about why I was a day late even though I had called the day before to let them know

• With my grandmother who moves a little slower than when I saw her in the spring. She had a list of things to accomplish while I was there, and even with a shortened stay, we achieved it all!

I chose kindness every time.

Did I have moments when I was tired, and it was more difficult?

Yes.

Did I have moments when I was frustrated that things didn't go as planned or expected?

Yes.

Did I have uncomfortable feelings about being able to return home when I planned?

Yes.

Did I survive every one of those moments?

Yes.

Each time, I practiced the power of the pause, accepting the present, and choosing kindness.

What I noticed:

• People were kinder in return

• People were caught off guard at my kind responses

• People were willing to make more eye contact with me

• I was offered assistance, upgrades, discounts, and generosity without asking for a thing.

And look at this seat Jet Blue put me in for my return trip!

Kindness is not only being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Kindness is a way of relationship.

Kindness is a way of entrepreneurship.

Kindness is a way of business.

Kindness is a way of life.

Choose it.

Where has kindness shown up for you this month?

Are you ready to build a business you are proud of?

Let’s discuss how kindness can support your business.

Book a free consultation

A place for my digressions.

[1] This short list is only a snapshot of the giving I witnessed from my grandparents. I'll save the rest for my memoir someday.

[2] 2023 Curated Conversation Topics: Ego, Neurodiversity, Capacity, Relationship, Patience, Intent, Permission, Compassion, Decision, Failure and Kindness. I'll be REFLECTING on all of these next week!

[3] No, Grandmom could not get into a Jeep Wrangler, so we joyfully accepted our Nissan Kick!

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