A Small Act of Kindness Goes Viral
It changed my day, my outlook and my heart all at once
My alarm jolted me awake.
In a fog, I forced myself out of bed, swearing under my breath.
It was the third day this week I’d managed to hit the snooze button one too many times. It wasn’t like me to be late, but my new boss had me contemplating 1st-degree murder, which caused sleepless nights.
The inevitable stress at work had me dreading the day ahead as I hurried through my morning routine.
There wasn’t even enough time to start a pot of coffee. The day was doomed to go downhill from there, as confirmed traffic jams forced me to take an alternate route.
It was a cool day for Florida in January 2007 as I expertly dodged my way through corner parking lots to avoid slow traffic. I planned to hit the local Starbucks drive-through to help salvage my lousy mood.
Anticipation for that first sip of my Grande/Cafe Mocha left me distracted as I approached the intersection. Then I slammed brakes to avoid the dope in the silver Mustang who cut out in front of me.
Unfortunately, my black leather bag sailed from the passenger seat to the floor as I came to a sudden stop. A glance confirmed that it wasn’t zipped up, so its contents were strewn all over the floor and under the seat.
More swearing ensued as the guy in the Mustang exercised his middle finger in my direction.
That fresh adrenaline pump and my newfound anger was evident as I barked my coffee order into the speaker box at Starbucks. The shitty start to my day was spiralling, just as I expected.
Then a miracle!
As my hot coffee appeared at the window, the young girl handing it to me said, put your money away; it’s already paid for.
This astonishing news had me launching a million questions. Who? How? When? What…are you sure?
“Yes, the gentleman in the car ahead of you asked to pay for whatever the person behind him had ordered.”
“Really!?” I said sarcastically.
“Did he ask you to get my phone number if I accepted it?”
“Nope, he didn’t,” she grinned.
“This happens all the time,” she went on to explain.
“One person started it months ago, and it went viral. The hope is that next time you’re in line; you’ll make someone's day and pay for the car behind you.”
A bit embarrassed, I accepted the free Mocha with my first smile of the day.
Thanking her, I put my wallet back and felt my shitty attitude melting away.
Sipping my hot brew, I continued the drive to work, thinking about what just happened. What a lovely gesture, I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
That single act of kindness from a stranger, without expectations (or requiring a thank you), had power beyond words.
It was like a miracle cure!
That small, unexpected, act of kindness changed my day, my outlook and my heart.
That big smile was still plastered on my face as I got to the office. Co-workers were taking second looks, probably wondering if that overdue raise had finally come through.
Everyone I came in contact with that day heard my happy story. That small gesture back in 2007 changed me forever and caused a ripple effect.
I realized later that what I was experiencing was more than gratitude for a free cup of jo.
That act of kindness from a stranger gave me hope for humanity.
It lifted my spirits, and the happiness I felt seemed to go deeper than my cheery smile. It changed my heart.
I couldn’t wait to get back to Starbucks to pay it forward, and I did, the very next day. In fact, I jumped out of bed before the alarm clock had a chance to disturb me.
I left for work early to be sure I had time to get through the lineup at Starbucks to perform my good deed.
The same girl was working, and when I told her I wanted to pay for the car behind me, she winked and gave me a huge smile. “Yes, ma’am!”
I wasn’t prepared for what came next.
The joy of paying it forward to the next stranger was far more intense than being on the receiving end. It was so strong and uplifting that it encouraged me many times since to feel that sensation again.
An act of kindness, regardless of how small, is more powerful than you know.
After that experience 13 years ago, I found myself looking for more opportunities to perform random acts of kindness, and each time the same thing happened.
One of my all-time favourite movies is Pay it Forward, starring Helen Hunt. It drills this same point home like nothing else. If you haven’t seen it, this is the perfect time of year to watch it.
Whether it’s a coffee at Starbucks, $20 to the guy delivering packages to your door, or cookies to a neighbour you haven’t met, give it a whirl and feel your spirit soar.
2020 has been a tough, tough year for many of us in different ways. There isn’t a better time to help someone out.
My Christmas shopping is done, but “random acts of kindness” will remain on my to-do list forever.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a big hug!
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I’m Liz, the self-empowered, red wine & coffee lovin’, personal growth fanatic behind this article. I’ve stopped shrinking into places I’ve outgrown, and I’m a fan of straight talk and practical solutions. That’s why I’m here to Empower, Educate and Entertain.
