“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”
—Princess Diana
I feel so fortunate to be able to work from home—with my three Scotties as my co-workers. I tend to schedule my work day around the typical 9 to 5, so most of my friends are working too. We make sure to take small breaks to text or send an email to each other. It’s good for the spirit!
My favorite part of the day is meeting Mark for lunch—something we luckily get to do at least three times a week. It’s a nice intermission in the middle of the day, and gives me a solid hour to refuel and get inspiration. Getting outside is HUGE. I also use this break to exercise and squeeze in time with my walking buddies—who are just as important, as they bring the sunshine too!
Errand days, however, are different. I have another group of friends I see when I’m running about. These are my Friends Around Town that work at the places where I do business: the Postal Sweets store where I mail packages, the person that takes care of me at the market, my favorite Pharmacist, and my dry cleaners… to name a few. They show me photos of their children. I ask how their day is going. It’s these little things—that are much bigger than they seem—that are sweetest to life’s necessities.
I have a knack for remembering their story, and they have just the right stuff for making my day brighter. I think paying real attention—and being present in those few minutes you’re in a business you visit regularly—contributes to the quality of their day, and therefore, their work. If everyone cares a little more—less rushing and more mindfulness—all of our lives improve. It’s a ripple effect.
My favorite dry cleaners, Addison Court Cleaners, has a great staff—and one of them is Cristina. Last week I gave Cristina a Gluten Free Sage t-shirt, and the next time I went in, it was hanging up in the front of the store right by the register. I asked if she had the t-shirt dry cleaned, and she told me that it was up for me, and to promote my website. She said this way customers can see the shirt every time they come in. This is a picture of Cristina wearing her love, love, love shirt—which was the perfect shirt for this day!