Kindness Challenge (wk4) and CTST: Being kind
This video inspiration
was sent to me over the weekend so I had to share (and backdate this post, because I’m running behind). Be sure to watch this short film to the end. Some of the people who are interviewed, who have been positively effected by 88-year-old Bermudian Johnny Barnes, are inspirational also.
Johnny devotes six hours per day to greeting passers-by at a traffic circle. One person interviewed said that if Johnny isn’t at his spot in the morning, people worry and call the radio station, asking if he is okay. Another lady (my favorite) said that she was in such a bad mood one morning, that she vowed not to look at Johnny as she passed by, because she wanted to stay in her bad mood and she was sure that if she greeted him, that she’d cheer up!
One guy said that when he first saw Johnny, he thought he was a panhandler asking for money. It shows just how cynical we have become, doesn’t it?!
Another lady said she was on her way to the hospital to deliver her child and they drove around the block to ensure that she got to interact with Johnny, when the first pass didn’t work. She felt it was a good sign for her baby if she got a wave/good wish from Johnny!
What Johnny does is free (if you don’t take into account all the energy he expends). It’s such a simple, loving gesture that people have come to depend on – such a simple blessing that touches so many lives. I know I learned an important lesson from Johnny!
I hope this makes you smile and causes you to be kind to others, in a way that delights and inspires! Have a great week!
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
6 Comments
Niki
Thank you so much for sharing that! How incredibly inspiring! Brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.
lexacain
I love this! I think something like this is a wonderful way to make everyone’s life better. I may not stand in a traffic circle, but I make sure that whenever I go out and interact with people, I give them a big smile and a greeting. (You can’t imagine how this makes the Egyptian workers happy ’cause they’re usually treated like slaves by the rich people and Russian tourists, who never smile at anything.)
The Wine Culturist
Thanks for sharing! Such a lovely story.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for your visit! Have a good weekend.
Lean Not Unto My Own Understanding
This was a lovely post to share for the kindness challenge.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for the kind words, and for visiting my blog. I appreciate it!