The neighborly thing to do...

My husband and I just moved into a new neighborhood. This is our first house, so all of the things that go along with homeownership are new to us. Today we were breaking in our new mower but couldn't get it to start correctly.

After several failed attempts out in broad daylight for the whole neighborhood to see, we decided to go inside and try later. As we were going in, our neighbor came over and offered to help. He and my husband worked on it together and minutes later - VOILA!

Our neighbors could have easily kept to themselves but this nice man decided to take time out of his afternoon, share his experience and help out his new neighbors. It's nice to know we live across the street from such generous people.

Today someone was Golden to me

I am in Chicago for work this week and was bustling around on Michigan Avenue at lunch. As I was walking back to my office, a man came up to me with some dollar bills in his hand. I couldn't understand what he was saying because he was kind of huffing and puffing.

But I soon figured out he said the money was mine, had fallen out of my pocket a while back and he'd been trying to reach me but I walked too fast. ha! I couldn't believe that he actually took the time to chase me down and didn't just keep it for himself.

It's a big city, it would be pretty easy just to pocket the money and walk the other way. 

Thank you man on Michigan Avenue. You brightened my day! 

Golden act...

A reader shared this golden act of goodness they received. 

"Thought I would share the nice thing that my boss did today. Apparently he bought a bunch of candy bars in support of a local charity. He then walked around to each office and gave employees one, stating that it was "A random act of chocolate day." What a nice surprise...much appreciated."

Everybody loves chocolate – what a wonderful (and easy) way to brighten someone's day!

Thought of the day...

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." 

–John Wooden

Golden idea

Not sure where to start or what to do for you first golden act? Just look at your daily routine.

Do you get coffee at the same shop everyday? Have lunch at a regular spot? Park your car in one lot day after day? Do you know the people who work there? If not, get to know them.

Instead of just saying hi or thanks as you walk by, ask how they are doing today and really mean it. It only takes a minute or two to make someone feel special. Who knows? That could be the bright spot in their day.

I go to the same drugstore pretty often that is close to our gym. There is a worker there who could best be described as "crabby" on a good day. On one trip, she had to look up an in-store coupon for my purchase and it was taking a while. So while she was looking I asked how she was doing that day, and since she had time, she actually engaged in the conversation. Once my transaction was done, I looked at the clerk, thanked her and told her how much I appreciated her taking the time to look up the coupon for me. You could tell she was taken back by it. But smiled and said you're welcome. Who knows what she is dealing with in her life but hopefully those 5 minutes made her feel good, even if just for a little while.

It just takes a moment to make a difference. 

Have you started your acts of kindness, witnessed a kind act or been the recipient? Share your story with us in the comment section below!