Off the Cuff

[#1]

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

                                    ~ Robert Frost

Everyday decisions are thrown at us that force us to react, whether we smile and gladly continue on our way or shake our head in awe and leave in disappointment. Robert Frost’s poem The Road Not Taken has been dissected by just about any mind that cared to read it. The poem, written in the early 1900’s, still rings true today. Every decision we make as human beings, whether we lend a helping hand or walk away, continues to make a difference day after day.

I’ve been surprised by the news lately and the actions of others—both locally and globally. It seems that many people, some in positions of political power and some everyday folks, seems to be willing to do anything possible to attain their personal goals, whether for wealth, revenge or simply lack of consideration for others.

So I guess my question is, when did taking the high road—the one less traveled by—become a thing of the past? Do people really sleep at night knowing they haven’t been as good to their fellow humans as they could have been?

I know there is plenty of good in this world, and I do know there are random acts of kindness made everyday, but we never hear about them. We only hear of the seven deadly sins that rule the air waves. No matter how hard we try to keep a positive outlook on the world, there is always some negative Nelly who brings the pessimism back around.

I would love to hear your positive stories. Perhaps a time a stranger went out of their way to help you, or when someone simply held the door for you.  

Have your coworkers or friends tried to make your life a litter easier by providing support at a difficult time?  Or when you’ve felt down and out, have family members reached out to lift you up?

There is positive news everywhere, we just don’t seem to hear about it.  As my younger sister, Kate, always says, “Sharing is caring.”  Let me know your road less traveled, and those people that have made a difference in your life.

[#2]

I am looking for a job that is more aligned with my creative abilities and my boyfriend was kind enough to ask around in his network of colleagues about a possible position for me.

[#3]

That was sweet of him. After all, it is the little things that count.

[#4]

I know some students who were leading a fundraiser in a mall. They all said that they noticed it was the poorest people who gave most often while people who looked more well off just ignored them.  Obviously this isn't a scientific experiment, but they did observe this phenomenon for several days. I think one explanation might be that someone who's poor knows what it's like to struggle and thus they give out of empathy.  These students were very impressed with the people who donated when they clearly had so little.

[#5]

It's funny you should say that. I have a few friends who work for the Shriners and often times do fundraisers on major intersections. They always tell me it seems that the poorest people give the most, while many others will roll up their window and look away. But it's not just about monetary giving, it's just a matter of being nice.

[#6]

I heard a great story about a random act of kindness. I had a cousin who went to Paris and barely spoke any French. She was supposed to stay with friends in an apartment and stopped in a store to get directions. The store owner told her in broken English how to get there, but my cousin got lost and ended up walking past the same shop ten minutes later. The store owner saw her, closed her store temporarily, and accompanied my cousin for several blocks until she was almost at her destination. My cousin was very appreciative!

[#7]

I'd love to hear people's ideas about movies containing random acts of kindness. I'll start it off with To Kill A Mockingbird and 

Pay it Forward. Who has another?

[#8]

Anyone wishing  a fantastically, happy feeling inside...It's easy. Do something for someone who can't possibly repay you. This act of ""gracious, honest, non-selfish  kindness"  will give you a feeling that is unexplainable. Not something to brag about. Rather, to remember...The Only Way to Have a Friend is to Be One.. 

Tennyson wrote: " KIND HEARTS ARE MORE THAN CORONETS." Music is good...Kindness far exceeds.

[#9]

I've always wanted to win the lottery so that I could anonymously send money to various friends, neighbors, etc. who are in dire financial straits. Having lived through tough times myself, I know what it would mean to have an unexpected windfall; I'd love to be able to do that for someone else....