The other afternoon as I was pulling into my favorite drive-thru restaurant for my slurpy fix, I was greeted by the young girl who always waits on me.

She walked up to my car window, cup in hand, and handed me my order with a giant smile on her face.

I was dumbfounded because I hadn’t even paid yet, but I rolled my window down in time for her to inform me that her manager allows them to pick their favorite regular customer to receive a free order. 

At first, I wasn’t sure what to say, but the young girl continued to tell me that I’m one of the only people who utilize their drive-thru regularly and I’m always nice and wish everyone a good day before I leave. As I thanked her for my free drink, she said that it was her pleasure to serve me, as I’ve always treated her and her fellow colleagues with kindness and respect—where most people are rude and in a constant hurry.

As I drove away I smiled from ear to ear.

My simple act of being kind to random people made a positive influence on their day. This was something that took no special time or money, I just treated the staff like I would anyone else.

Although I was happy for being noticed, this also proved to me that kindness is obviously a dying act in today’s world of constant rushing and running around. We all tend to get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget to look out for our fellow man in their time of need.

The world seems to be always running behind with their heads buried in their smartphones reading emails or texting someone.

Every time I go grocery shopping, the number of people on their phones while running errands is astounding. I also see it with families at local parks. The children are playing while parents sit on the bench on their phones, not even conversing with one another.

I challenge everyone to try to tune out for even just a little while a day and do a random act of kindness. Help someone out their car with their groceries. Give someone who you pass on the street a compliment. When you are at the drive-thru getting your daily coffee, pay for the order for the vehicle behind you. Help a neighbor with yard work. Make someone’s day.

Just like you, everyone else is dealing with their own set of issues and daily predicaments. This world would be a better place if we all just took the time to be kind toward one another. Even if it’s just a hello and a smile shared as you pass your neighboring the morning. You never know what will bring a smile—and ultimately a day changer for someone.

My slurpy cost less than a dollar, so it wasn’t the money that I was thrilled about, but the simple fact that I had made a difference in someone’s day. It showed me that even in today’s world, kindness does still matter.

I will continue to treat others kindly because it is just who I am. Some days it’s much easier than others, as I am human too—but I have vowed to do a simple random act of kindness daily. It not only makes me feel amazing, but also brings a bit of joy to others.

I challenge you to do the same. Last Monday was National Random Act of Kindness Day. I was excited about the fact that kindness is now a National Day, but I think this should be acted out every day.

Think of how much happier this world would be.

Be kind.

Author: Jill Carr

Image: @elephantjournal Instagram 

Editor: Sara Kärpänen