Kindness isn’t just a thought—it’s an action. That’s why we call them acts of kindness. And in a world that can sometimes feel dark or heavy, those small, intentional moments of kindness can be the light someone desperately needs. Recently, I was reminded of this in the most touching way. I was at my local Vons grocery store, going through the usual routine of checking out, when a store manager came over to say hello. She asked how I was doing and then, with genuine warmth, said, “Do you ever buy yourself flowers?” She knew that my late husband, Yves, used to buy me flowers all the time. The question caught me off guard. No, I hadn’t bought myself flowers. And in that moment, I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. She gave me a hug—right there, in the middle of the store. It was an unexpected, heartfelt moment of connection. As I finished checking out, I left the store with a mix of nostalgia and warmth, thinking of all the times Yves came home with groceries and fresh-cut flowers just because. But then, something even more beautiful happened. As I was loading my groceries into the car, the cashier—who had been ringing me up—ran out of the store to find me. In her hands was a bouquet of flowers. She handed them to me and spoke a kind word about loss, love, and remembering. That small, spontaneous act of kindness made my day. It didn’t take much—just an awareness, a sense of presence, and a willingness to reach out. And that’s what I want to encourage you to do today. When you’re out and about, really see people. Be present. Sense when someone needs a kind word, a smile, or even a simple touch on the arm. You may never fully know what someone is going through, but you have the power to be a bright spot in their day. Be that light. Because in the front-row of life, we don’t just exist—we uplift others along the way by illuminating our light. Who can you show kindness to today?
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