Full circle

A few weeks ago, as I was leaving work a homeless gentlemen I would presume to be in his mid40's was standing at an intersection in the pouring rain holding up a sign saying "will work for minimum wage". I had nothing to offer him honestly, no cash, no food, nothing... but as I sat there at the red light within the confines of my warm, dry car I spied an umbrella laying on the floorboard. I grabbed it, rolled down my window and offered it up to him without a second thought, apologizing that it's all I could give. He thanked me a few times as he rushed to put it up and block the rain as it started to fall harder.

Will that single umbrella change the course of his life, doubtful. But I hope it did provide him a little relief and more-so a little hope despite the rest of the sidelong glares he was catching from other motorists.

I had barely made it onto the interstate before my phone vibrated, I was asked out to dinner. I joked with my friends later that day that karma is real. Do good to others, and good will come your way. I helped out someone who was struggling, and I got asked on a date!

Lately I can't help but think that the universe has some strange way of saying 'hey, kudos for doin the right thing, chick...'

With that one gentleman in mind, I started smiling at strangers more, letting people out in traffic, helping old ladies reach that top-shelf item at the grocery.

And you know what? More random goodness started coming my way! The gas station clerk gave me $40 for a winning lotto ticket that I was only supposed to get $20 for. My gas bill was mysteriously paid (not by me) last month. A ticket from when I got pulled over back in September still hasn't been turned in.

Am I saying do nice things just so you get rewarded in exchange? Not at all... but I'd be absolutely lying if I said it wasn't infectious. I find myself wanting to do more and more 'good' simply because I like the way it leaves some random person with a smile on their face. I chat it up with the cashier who is just itching for conversation, I entertain the overly-energetic kid in line at the grocery because his mom looks like she's at wits end, I give the flustered waitress a little bit bigger tip.

I want to be that person who buys lunch for the person behind them in the drive-through, the one who brings a whole trunkload of groceries to the food bank... you know those people who just ooze optimism and hope? Yea, I want to be one of them!

Random acts of kindness. I'm learning how to become a better person, and I think the universe likes to send me little pats on the back sayin 'hey, good job kid... keep it up, you're on the right path!"

I encourage you all to do one thing today, out of the ordinary, to brighten someone else's day. Whether it's sending a silly joke to a friend who is down in the dumps, opening the door for a stranger, or something much more elaborate. Try it, you'll like it. Not so you get good karma in return but because I truly believe if you put good in this world good will come your way! Life is full circle.