Kind Words From Strangers

This last week, I have received three different e-mails from people telling me how much they liked this blog, or liked the idea of writing letters to people that are filled with positive messages.

I just wanted to take a little bit of time to thank these people for their comments and encouragement. When first starting Elphos.org I didn't fully grasp how much time would be spent in starting it. I'll be honest and even say that I have had thoughts of scrapping it.

However, this weeks encouragements, and people thanking me for starting this, have renewed me.

So thank you for that.

Nice in Traffic

This last week it has been my goal to be nicer in traffic. It partly extends from my need to be a more defensive driver - and part from just trying to be kinder on the road.

All week long, I have let people merge in front of my on the highway, instead of blocking them out. When in line to go through a stop light, I make sure I don't block any of the side streets - so others can make a turn.

I've also have not used more horn - at all!! (Not that I am constantly on my horn - but I did used to give a little beep when people drove slow in the left lane!)

What I've noticed is that I have been a lot less stressed out driving through traffic. A lot more aware of how others are driving, and slam on my brakes a whole lot less.

Maybe being nice on the road is bring my blood pressure down a bit. Or maybe, it is all in my mind - I don't know - I don't care - cause it has been a lot more relaxing to drive lately.

Oh, and of course - someone has created a website about nice driving :-) www.drivenice.org

A Website I found

This week I just want to share a little bit about We Are What We Do.org. I stumbled across this page one day when I was looking for sites that were similar to Elphos.org.

The site is basically about tracking all those great things that people do. There are options to log in to track your random acts of kindness, share and read stories about acts of kindness, and see how many people have done the same act of kindness as you.

I know you might be saying why is this all necessary. I'm not saying that it is, but it sure is nice to get that remember every now and again about how your acts of kindness can influence others.

Why, what difference did I make. . .

Right now in Minneapolis it is hazy and drizzly - which for me, makes the perfect night to grab a cup of coffee and take a walk. I don't know what it is about this weather - but I love it. That feeling of cold to the bone that a mist of rain gives you coupled with a warm cup of coffee. I just love it.

So I was walking - I decided to return the movies I had rented from RedBox this weekend. Uptown is really blossoming right now - there are all sorts of people on the streets. i love watching them - and try not to stare at the people I see.

On the way home from the RedBox, I found myself watching a man opening up all of Smoker's Outposts, digging for cigarettes that were only half smoked. I watched him pull one out - it had lipstick on it. He brought it to his lips and lit it from a pack of matches in his pocket.

I wanted to cry. I almost did cry. I've seen this before, it isn't new to me. I've hardened to the reality that people that are well off discard things that aren't fully used - and those not as fortunate dig through the refuse for things they can't afford. This isn’t why my eyes glossed over.

In that instant, for some reason – I realized that that man and I could be the same. All it would take is one car accident – loosing brain function – and I’d be walking the streets as this man does today. Searching through discarded “gold.” Unfortunately I am a smoker, I know the cravings – there is no doubt in my mind that I would be rummaging through the ash trays for a slight relief from it if I were in his shoes.

I gave the man half my pack of cigarettes – selfishly knowing I’d have a craving later. I didn’t help him. Not one bit. I did it because I couldn’t stand watching him open another smoker’s outpost and dig through the ashes. What does that make me? Tonight, I feel hopeless. Sitting in my warm room, in front of my $1,000 laptop, what do I really do?

I am trying with Elphos.org. I don’t know if I am doing any good – or if it is just another suburban kid’s pipe dream and naiveness. I’m trying.

Reach for you Card!

I love eating out with people. I enjoy the company, and good food, and trying a new wine each time.

What I don't like is when that waiter brings the bill. Everyone eyes each other, hands hovering over their wallets, waiting till that first person makes the move to grab their wallet.

What follows is the argument of who is going to be paying for the bill.

Why am I complaining - I'm not. I am just lucky to be able to keep company with people who love me, and who are gracious enough to spread burdens, like a bill, amount the group.

So thank you

Call for Submissions

Do you have a story about some kind act that you have witnesses, or a story about a time when someone said something to you that you still draw on today?

Submit your stories to Submit@elphos.org for a chance to win a gift card to StarBucks.

Please submit your stories by April 30, 2008. Please include your mailing address with the story. All stories that are posted on the blog will give full credit to the original author.


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