Yesterday night I was running some errands and going grocery shopping for my boss to pick up some things for her and her family. I first went to Lunds to grab some items and then was headed to Trader Joe's to pick up the rest. She had given me a specific list so I was wandering around the store trying to find the things she needed. It was a little difficult because I'm not a frequent Trader Joe's shopper, and to be honest it's probably the second time I've ever been in that store.
When I was finished shopping, I headed over to the checkout to be greeted by a bubbly spirited man, maybe in his 50s. As he was checking out my items we started to chat. He asked if I was buying all this for me, and when I responded with no, he said he figured because I seemed to be looking for super specific things. I told him I was picking up some things for my boss and he asked if I got anything for myself. When I said no, he stared at me like I should have at least gotten something for myself. I told him I didn't get anything for my boss to save the receipt to get reimbursed, which he understood.
He then asked me if I liked chocolate peanut butter cups or chocolate covered almonds better. I didn't think anything of the question because I have the chocolate covered almonds in my cart for my boss. But I told him that peanut butter cups would be my favorite. The next thing I knew he grabbed a small bag of the chocolate covered peanut butter cups that usually sit next to the register and tossed them to me saying that I now get something and it won't have to go on the bill. I was so shocked by his kindness, it instantly lifted my mood. I think I told him "Thank you" maybe three or four times, but they were all genuine, I really meant them. I walked out of the store with the biggest smile on my face because I was so grateful for the small conversation I had with this person.
Its small acts of kindness, like this one yesterday, that keep this world going. We had less than a 3-minute interaction and this man felt inclined to give me a free treat and a pick me up that he didn't know that I needed yesterday. I know I'm definitely going to take something from that interaction yesterday, to spread my own acts of kindness whenever I can. You never know when someone could use a random act of kindness to lift their spirits. The world could use some more kindness, and little acts of kindness could bring us a long way.
So, again, thank you to the checkout man at Trader Joe's for the chocolate covered peanut butter cups and the small act of kindness you gave me. It's now my turn to pass it on.
