Just A Birthday Card

Introduction

This is about some of the things I do, and how they affect others and also how they affect me.

The music is "You Get What You Give" by The New Radicals which is appropriate for this article.

For Me

I know this does not exactly fit the requirements of the Challenge, but I think this section is required to set the scenario for the act of kindness.

A while ago someone was shocked that I still physically wrote and sent birthday cards. They were even more surprised to find out I also often walk to deliver the cards as well instead of using the postal system.

I believe that when someone gives an act of kindness in any form to someone, the giver can benefit immensely. It is almost as though they have got as much as the recipient and often they have.

This morning taking the card across to Lynn, there was a misty rain, but it was just a wonderful feeling to be with nature, and that was a wonderful side effect of my small act of kindness for me, and I appreciated it so much.

In my previous piece for this challenge, I told the story of me helping a homeless person, but after I had given them some money I felt happy with myself for helping someone else. I didn't have to shout about it, although I have shared it with one or two Vocal readers.

This piece is about a birthday card, unfortunately not from Tian's gifts which is now my default place for all cards, and by sharing her site that is also a random act of kindness on my part.

If the recipient appreciates the small act of kindness it's almost a state of reciprocity that makes you both feel good and appreciated.

The giver doesn't have to give, they don't feel any obligation, and they do it because they want to. That is the way it works for me, the only things I'm obliged to do is work and pay bills and taxes.

Tian's Reaction

This is not writing as Tian, but she gushed when I wrote my review and shared her work. Every time I visit her shop she is so engaging and helpful, which means that I always recommend her to others.

From my point of view I just wanted to tell people about her amazing design, but that in turn brings people into her shop, and I know from our conversations she appreciates what I have done, and do for her and she makes sure I know that in the nicest possible way.

Lynn's Reaction

Thes a noise at the front door.

Lynn is enjoying a cup of morning tea before she sets off for work.

She goes to the door not sure what it is, the postman only comes at midday.

She sees a card on the floor and picks it up, she knows it is her birthday but this one has been delivered by hand.

It has her name on it and she opens it slowly, and the card brings a smile to her face.

"Oh, it's from Mike. He had no need to bring it over this morning, it is raining, but that was really nice, I'll give him a ring or maybe drop by for a coffee, he works from home".

She took the card and put it on her mantlepiece with a couple of others she was given yesterday.

This was a really nice start to the day and so kind of him to bring it over.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading and you can see, for me, kindness has benefits for the recipient and the giver.