Before we get to today’s newsletter, I wanted to let you know that I am opening a few more spots for 1:1 coaching beginning in mid-April. If you have been on the fence or wondering how my 2-month coaching program can help, you can book a free call with me here to learn more.
Last week, I spent a few days in sunny Florida, which was a nice break from the fresh snowfall in Michigan. The warm breeze, the sound of the ocean waves, and the sun warming my body were exactly what I needed.
The resort I was staying at had a private walkway above the main road, granting easy access to the beach. The one downfall was that you had to take an elevator to get down. The elevator itself wasn’t the problem; it was the length of time you had to wait for it.
I was crossing the steamy walkway, wondering how long it would take today. When I looked across, I saw the elevator doors open, and a young boy was getting in. I was still a good distance away, and even in my younger, speedier days, I would have never arrived in time. Shoot, I thought, my wait time in the long, humid walkway just grew longer.
And then the unexpected happened. Holding a football in his hand, the young boy picked his head up and saw me coming from a distance. He placed his body in the way of the door, preventing it from shutting, and waited for me. I never asked him to. I didn’t signal him to wait; he simply saw I was coming and wanted to help. I was so touched.
It might seem like a small gesture, but here are the takeaways and my initial assumptions.
A child heading to the beach is usually not concerned with the needs of others. Not because he’s selfish but because he’s so excited to get to the beach and play.
We assume kids ignore what’s happening around them.
Boys especially get a bad rap for not being “considerate.”
This boy proved all of these points wrong. He saw the needs of a stranger and chose to act in a kind and selfless way.
I don’t know this boy. I thanked him and said, “It was so kind of you to hold the elevator for me.” He smiled, shrugged his shoulder, and said, “You’re welcome.”
Kindness is all around us. Observe and notice the kindness in others. Allow it to impress you the way this boy impressed me.
In our busy day-to-day activities, it can be hard to spot the gems or consider who we can help and how we can be of service. This boy’s small but mighty gesture illuminated how each moment, even the simplest moments, is an opportunity to show up and serve.
Love this, small acts of kindness can make such a big impact