-
One
time, a family of a mother, husband, and son came into Panera. The boy had his
hood pulled almost all the way over his face and he kept his head down. I
noticed the corner of his mouth was a little darker than the rest of it and it
was a bit puffy. I asked the mom if he was okay and if he needed anything. She
said he was (told him that he was more noticeable with his hood like that) and
told me he had a concussion. I understood as I had had a concussion a few years
back and knew it wasn’t the best of experiences I had had. I offered him a
brownie, on me, because who wouldn’t want a double fudge frosted brownie! He
said yes and his both of his parents were so grateful that I had done that.After completing their order, the mother and son went to find a table while the
father paid. I told him that I hope his son gets better soon which is when he
told me what happened. They came right from the hospital to Panera to grab some
food before going to the next doctor that night. The son had been in the
hospital for days, had a bad (almost severe) concussion, a broken nose, and, if
I remember correctly, severely bruised ribs from an accident he was in. The boy
was embarrassed of what he looked like from the accident which is why his face
was covered so much and he wouldn’t look up.After
the father told me that, I was in shock and wish I had done more than merely
offer a brownie. If I could I would have used my discount, or paid for it
myself. I wanted to help this family so much and I just felt helpless because
there was nothing I could do. I did, however, understand why the parents were
so grateful for the free brownie. It was probably the best thing that has
happened to that boy in a week.As so
many people know, happiness really does comes in small packages. All it takes
to make someone happy, is spreading a little kindness. Even though it is in my
job description to treat everyone so warmly, I have always been a compassionate
person anyways. It’s those little acts of kindness that go a long way and can
change a person’s day completely. For example, I love complimenting people.
It’s one of my favorite things to do to make a person smile. Its small but the
person is always so appreciative of the compliment. My logic is: how many times
a day do I get complimented on anything? The answer for me, time and
time again, none. Maybe one or two compliments a week. What about the stranger
at my register? How often do they get complimented?The
point is, people are all too afraid to come across as flirtatious, too friendly
(whatever that means), weird, etc. instead of just being nice to be nice. To help change this thought process, I purchased sticky notes to leave pleasant or
funny messages, or reminders to be kind to others, wherever I go whether it be
school, work, or the grocery store* and call them “Happi-Notes” (like
happiness – oh I’m so clever). And I encourage those reading this to do the
same. After all, it only takes is a little kindness to spread a lot of happiness.Be kind to everyone,
Beca xx
*This sticky note idea is not my own. Many other
people do it as well but I got the idea from Carrie Hope Fletcher, an amazing
woman from England that I admire greatly and would love to be friends with in
real life. (Hey, @carriehopefletcher, let’s be BFF’s!)
