During the summer months in addition to my full-time job, I also work a part-time seasonal job (that mentally is full-time and then some). I usually go from 8-10 hour days at my FT job, change from dress clothes to "gym" clothes, and go straight to the PT job for anywhere from 2-5 hours. The days are long, very long. Add that with my general anxiety, the fact I am turning a year older this summer (tomorrow!), and some other personal relationship issues, and I think it's safe to say that I have certainly had my fair share of tears and mini mental breakdowns/anxiety attacks.
However, the things that have kept me going, kept me sane, have been the little details and random acts of kindness from daily strangers and some other special people in my life. These little things may seem exactly that, little, but they are far more appreciated (for me, at least) than I think most people realize.
One example: there is the cutest and tastiest bakery (EVER!!!) near to where I work, and I go there multiple times a week. To be perfectly honest, it's not simply the food and amazing espresso drinks that keep me coming back (and they are sooo good). What I really have been enjoying and appreciating more and more is the awesome customer service I receive upon every single visit. There are like 3 or 4 girls there who greet me with a huge smile and a very enthusiastic "Hi, (my name), how're things today?!!" These girls honestly make my day; just to have someone remember your name and seem genuinely interested in you makes a ginormous difference, at least to me!
Another thing that has been such an enormous encouragement is the kindness of my boss. She is truly a great, kind, and giving person! My job is a little unorthodox in the fact that I don't see my boss on a regular basis. I see her maybe 1-2 times a month, maybe less, depending on schedules and any projects going on at the time. However, whenever I do see her she generally will treat me to coffee and some sort of sweet treat from the bakery. Although it may seem like a small gesture, it really does make a great deal of difference to me and is so appreciated.
Another really kind thing my boss did was surprise me with a very nice birthday gift that was totally unexpected. Today when I came in she had an Alex and Ani bag and multiple boxes from the bakery waiting for me. She gave me a gorgeous silver Alex and Ani bangle, cake, and even included a ton of French macarons that are gluten free for my dad (he has Celiac Disease). I was shocked and so touched! I still can't believe she did that for me, and I don't think she'll ever know how much it means to me, especially with everything I've had going on. I am just so incredibly grateful for her kind and generous spirit. She's amazing!
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| My lovely Alex & Ani bangle and macarons! |
While some of the things above may seem so small to some (my birthday gift was definitely NOT small, by the way), to others, it may change their entire day or even their week. For me personally, those small gestures or acts of kindness are so appreciated and never go unnoticed. Always be kind to people, tip good service well, and pay as many compliments as possible. It may seem small or insignificant or like it goes unnoticed, but I can tell you from personal experience, to some people those gestures will make a person's day and put a smile on a previously sad face.
Sorry this post was a bit lengthy, but I simply cannot stress enough about being kind and the little things in life. Although this has been somewhat of a rough summer for me, I am incredibly grateful for the small things because they have given me smiles and hope. Go make someone's day; it can be so simple for you, yet mean the world for the person on the receiving end. :)
xoxo UP ♡
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