Acts of Kindness
My intent was to post Acts of Kindness every Tuesday but I seem to consistently be a day late.
Today’s Kindness tip is about respecting boundaries. It’s hard to know the difference in stepping in to help and giving advice when it isn’t wanted. Let’s think about this today. We often put our wants on others in the name of "helping".
I leave my purse in my shopping cart. I often leave it unattended and walk away. Yes, I know that makes it easier for someone to steal. I would rather have my purse stolen than spend my life looking for criminals who want to harm me. Call me irresponsible – it’s how I choose to live my life.
Lately I have had several instances where strangers in stores have "watched over" my purse until I returned to my cart. One lady catastrophized the situation and lectured me about not leaving my purse in my cart.
I know that all these strangers had what they believed to be my best interest at heart. I’m sure they sincerely felt that they were offering something I needed. However, I don’t leave my purse because I’m too dumb to know that people steal purses. I choose to live a life based on trust rather than on fear. I have only had my purse stolen once and it was locked inside my car at the time.
I know I have offered plenty of unsolicited advice in my time, also. Today I’m going to think before I speak. I’m going to try to give advice only when it’s asked for.
October 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am
“live a life based on trust rather than fear”…
Yes ! I am working on the whole “being ruled by fear” issue so I really admire your determination and conscious decision to do this. I am still learning to trust myself which is why I guess it is hard to trust my fellow person or the universe. I do leave my purse in the cart a lot though, not because I don’t think that there are people who wish to steal purses, but because I don’t think the universe would let it happen to me…I guess I am half way there ?
Good luck with your job for the day ! Cheers,
Kim
October 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Kim, thanks so much for sharing your views on this. Trust is so very hard to develop. We all have plenty of examples where trust was misplaced or misused, and the society in general – or is it Hollywood? – tells us not to trust. Good luck in your continued journey and keep trusting when and where you can
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 am
I came across your blog on blogcatalog, I am now a fan. I dont know but I just find you a positive person….I’m a Filipina by the way
all the best!
October 8th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hello Pancakes! I’m so glad you stopped by and left a comment. I was just at a Festival where they served Filipino food! I will check you out on Blog Catalog. Nice to meet you