Recently, I find myself talking a lot about Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) as I discuss programs provided by my company, WellSteps. A few weeks ago, I had the chance to perform a RAK and it felt pretty darn good.
I had flown from Phoenix to Milwaukee and was waiting in line for my rental car. I had been waiting for some time and my turn was rapidly approaching. As I listened to the person behind the counter rattle off the lengthy list of rental car upsell options, I knew I was close to getting my car.
About that time, an African-American family got in line behind me. The mother was a beautiful women dressed in a lime green outfit. Her two little girls were in matching lime green outfits. The father was also dressed nicely - but not in lime green!
Immediately upon taking their place in line, the 3 year girl decided to go spread eagle on the ground. While Mom was trying to get her off the ground, the 6 year old began pulling and releasing the black ribbon cordon used to create lines. She was delighted with the snapping sound that resulted.
The mother and the 6 year old then had the following conversation:
Mom (very gently): Sweetheart, you can be calm and mellow.
Girl: SNAP. I don't know HOW to be lellow!
Mom (with the raised eyebrow): Yes you do.
Girl: SNAP. Noooo I don't
Mom (with the "I am serious look): Yes ma'am!
Girl: SNAP. No maaa'aaam!
I decided it was time for a RAK intervention. I turned to the girl and smiled then looked at the mother and father. I said, "It looks like you have your hands full. Why don't you move ahead of me in line." They both gave me sincere expressions of gratitude. We shared a tiny moment of genuine humanity.
I spent 13 years as a faculty member and sat through endless faculty meetings in which we discussed diversity. But all we ever did was talk. That small moment I shared with the Lime Green Princess and her mother taught me more about diversity than all my faculty meetings combined.
So that is my wellness moment. Why not look for and perform a RAK this week?
Be Well!
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