One simple act of kindness...

What does it take for you to be remembered fondly for the rest of your life and even after that?

One simple act of kindness. That's all it takes. It doesn't matter in what form. As long as it is a sincere one, you'll be more than fairly rewarded.

I remember one absolutely tiring day when I was just a junior executive. I was in charge in training and among the responsibilities were getting the training materials ready on time and making sure there are enough copies for everybody. There are a lot of modules, a lot of participants, a lot of work...

During the preparation for the training, I made frequent trips to the copier room. One day, I was really down. My feet hurts from standing and walking all day long. I've already substituted my heels with a flat sandal... I didn't want my feet to be sacrificed. It was a dreadful day to be facing a few copier machines during lunchtime. Then, out of nowhere, a canon copier technician appear...

It's time for him to service the machines. I was so frustrated because that means my work also had to stop. I was already so tired, I just wished I could finish copying as soon as possible. So, reluctantly I started to collect the training materials and stopped whatever I was doing.

I'm not sure what made him say those wonderful words to me that day. I think because he saw my tired face, slouch shoulders, heavy steps... and maybe also he didn't want me to be in his way. But I really didn't care of the whys... I only know that 'let me help you with that' was the nicest and sweetest thing a man could say to a woman in my condition. He sounded sincere, but I still asked him whether he was sure about his offer. With a smile, he said 'yes'.

Only one word... the best word.

So there we were... him servicing the copier machines while tending to my training materials. I was sitting on a table, hanging my feet, enjoying a bit of free time. We didn't talk much. But at that time, I feel like he was the nicest man on earth and the silence was the best conversation I ever had.

After an hour, his work done, so were the training materials. I said thank you with my highest appreciaton, he said 'no problem' with the sweetest smile on his face. Then we parted.

I remember telling my good friend I just had the happiest time that day. And it really was. Believe it or not, I think I still remember his face, the canon copier technician. I don't think he remembers me. But that doesn't matter.

One simple, sincere act of kindness can go a long way. You don't plan this kind of things. It just happened. If it happens to you, you'll feel wonderful. And if you make it happen to other people, the feeling is amazing. You just won't believe what one simple, sincere act of kindness can do.

So, go out there, be kind, be sincere... make people feel good. Then tell me how that makes you feel.