Random act of kindness

When you do a good deed for someone, have you ever wondered why it makes you feel so good? It’s because your brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up as if you were the recipient of the good deed —not the giver. This phenomenon is known as the “helper’s high,” according to research conducted by Emory University.

These days, it seems as though people have become more self-centered (myself included) and it has definitely impacted the way we interact with those who come across our daily paths. Used to be folks would go out of their way to do something nice for their neighbor leaving all feeling good about the world around them. Such was the case for me this past Friday.

I typically make my espresso coffee drink each morning at home before work, but Friday I was running late. Having just been re-introduced to the community of Othello (I am a former editor of the Othello Outlook), I drove by the espresso stand on East Main Street just as you pull into town. It was packed with customers! I drove down to South 1st Avenue where in the past had been another espresso stand, but it was closed and looked like it was out of business. So I drove back up to East Main Street and got in line with all the other Java Addicts.

When it came my turn to order I barked out my usual 16 ounce triple shot white chocolate mocha hot no whip, no straw. I then inquired as to why this the only stand open in town now? As I reached into my pocket to retrieve payment for my drink, the barista told me the car in front of me had already paid for it! I must say I was quite surprised…who would do such a thing I wondered? As I drove away I was grinning from ear-to-ear. It made my day! Thank you Larry and Barbara Main! You have restored my faith in humanity! Your random act of kindness may seem trivial to others, but it was a huge pick-me-up! It just goes to show you that even the smallest gesture can have a tremendous impact on a person’s outlook on life…my outlook on life. You’ve armed me with a great gift and reminded me I need to make a concerted effort to think more about what I can do to make someone’s day more pleasant, instead of always putting myself first.