Kindness-a-thon!
18Good beautiful morning everyone!
I’ve never done a give away on here before, but I’ve seen others do it and I’m inspired to do one myself. Last October, I won @koolhandjoe 's monsterify contest, and as part of my prize, got a one-of-a-kind monsterified piece of art, made by Joe himself. I do have a confession to make though: I’m not a huge fan of horror-esque things. My family is packing up to move in the near future, and I think it’s time this lovely piece of art finds itself a new mehtizen to spend it’s time with.
That being said, here’s how you enter the giveaway: post on this thread something positive. A mantra, an affirmation, a motivational quote, a story you heard that cheers you up, an act of kindness you or someone else did, something. I suddenly started suffering from anxiety and panic attacks in the Summer of last year, and Koolhandjoe’s contest was the first thing last Fall that really lit a fire in my soul. So I took this as inspiration, and wanted to encourage the Meh community to help bring the light to others with positivity.
You can post in here as much as you want, but you only need to post once to enter, and multiple posts will not increase your odds of winning. You have until Friday, August 19th, at 8p.m. EST to post for entry. You can continue to post afterwards 
it just won’t count towards the giveaway. Then I’ll select a winner and ship it out to you 
- 22 comments, 41 replies
- Comment
I’ll even kick us off. One thing I like to remind myself is “Just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You CAN do it.”
“I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we’re all teachers - if we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.”
Marla Gibbs
*Forgot to mention that I do not need the gift.
@michaelsimpson Yo, you just got some D&D stuff. Let someone else in on this jam
And that’s a great message. As a person of the adopted persuasion I do believe I was put on a path for a purpose. Still working that out. It took me half my life to realize that, but I’m doing my best to burn off year 1-25 Karma at a record pace. There is a lot to burn
Just be a good a dude. I say that every morning that I’m thankful to wake up to. 
And also, for the record, these are cool, but I do not need them so please exclude me from this, but good on you for sharing. 
@capnjb I wasn’t after the prize (which in hind site I should have mentioned). I have many friends and family that are going through what the OP is and wanted to share some positive vibes.
@michaelsimpson I was just kidding with you
You rolled a 20 after all 
@capnjb It’s all good
@capnjb @michaelsimpson positive vibes are always welcome and appreciated, so I thank you for sharing
let me know if you change your mind about entering for the prize
I really did try but especially with the prize in question this is my vibe!
@Sneakertree I completely understand haha the prize itself doesn’t give out huge positive vibes, but I didn’t have anything else to give out
i appreciate the meme tho, that made me laugh a lot!
my mantra for the last couple years has been “you can listen and lend support, but you’re not obligated to solve someone else’s problem”.
@carl669 thank you, this is a really good one. Definitely one I’ve always struggled with, so I’m going to remind myself frequently of this
@carl669 @nonlion Absolutely true, and sometimes listening and not offering any advice or judgment is exactly what that other person really needs!
OMG I love this. I have a handmade “what’s in the box” head display so I would love to have this to go with it.
Just because you stepped of the trail doesn’t mean your lost, in fact you may be paving a new path!"
@uvassassin that sounds really cool! I’m trying to picture it. Would you mind posting a pic of it? Totally fine if you dont want to! Just curious what it looks like lol and that’s a great affirmation/quote. I really like it
@nonlion I moved to a new house earlier this year. I am still unpacking. I will get a photo when I find it. I am guessing will be soon or I hope so I am finally bringing the fun things out!
@uvassassin ahhh I get that. I feel like even after a year of moving, I’ll still have things to unpack. Looking forward to seeing it!
From Leonard Cohen’s song “Anthem:”
… Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in…
So hard to remember that perfection is not necessary and not even possible!
@Kyeh im sorry! I meant to respond to this one sooner and I totally missed it. I just wanted to let you know I’m really happy you shared this excerpt from Anthem. It’s so accurate and I know there are sooo many people who struggle with being perfect, or the desire to be perfect. It can be so all consuming sometimes, but these lyrics are so wise and true.
@nonlion What? You’re not perfect, you missed a comment?
It’s definitely challenging to try to measure up to the standards we carry in our heads, for whatever reason. But I think you’ve done a perfectly lovely thing starting this thread and getting people to think about these things.
@Kyeh I know. Sometimes when I sit back and look at the standards I’m carrying in my head, it makes laugh with how high they are or extreme they are sometimes. And thank you, that means a lot
I try to do my best, and that’s all anyone can ask for from anyone else
“For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.”
—Audrey Hepburn
@UnionLiz Ive never heard this before but its so true. Thank you for sharing!
https://thelatestkate.tumblr.com/ has some really great stuff.
@metaphore I just checked out their Tumblr and they have some fantastic art! Im eyeing one of their daily affirmations calendar. Thank you for sharing!
I had a favorite jacket from Latitudes and Attitudes magazine. It stayed “Attitude, the difference between ordeal and adventure.” I was in the military 31 years and that little quote got me through a lot.
@Tripod2 31 years, that’s incredible! Thank you so much for your service, and I really like that quote. Sometimes my attitude slips and thats when things get tougher. It’s extremely important to remember our attitude sets the tone.
Be alert. The world needs more lerts.
And remember to keep those batteries refrigerated for the very mostest of freshness!
Sometimes it’s the little things. Things like somebody buying your coffee when you’re in line it’s a coffee shop or doing the same thing yourself. I can remember the security guard at a shopping complex walking in to buy a cup of coffee and he had left his wallet in the car I bought this coffee. And every time I went to that shopping complex after that for months and months He remembered and thanked me so to me the best little thing of kindness you can do is the random kind
@Cerridwyn awww that was so kind of you and sweet of his reaction! Paying it forward like that is one of my favorite acts of kindness.
I feel like talking about myself leans toward bragging a bit but I had an experience today that made me feel really good. I’m a nuclear medicine technologist. A common study for us is a cardiac stress test. The camera we use is heart specific and requires the patient to slide through a ring head first and has detectors that come in close. Like… usually snugged right up against the patient close. It looks like this to start. Their body moves through that gantry and the L shaped detector moves in.
Today we had a patient who was insanely claustrophobic. Got into position and started shaking rather badly. We got him out of there immediately. At that point he was going to leave and not continue with his test. I suggested trying our ‘regular’ camera since at no point would his head have to go under anything and the detectors wouldn’t be quite so close. He honestly had no desire to even do this but humored me enough to go take a look.
I managed to talk him into getting into position just to see how it feels. He was still shaking a bit but gave it a go. After simply chatting with him for a minute or two I mentioned how he’d been in that position all this time and all I had to do was start the acquisition. He asked me to stay close if I could, which of course I did. So I just regaled him with endless stories to keep him occupied for the 11.5 minute picture. After the stress portion of his test I got him back and talked to him nonstop through another 9 minute picture and then a 6 minute picture on his stomach. When he was done he couldn’t express his appreciation enough for getting him through the test. I walked him out, both of us wearing big smiles.
This level of claustrophobia isn’t all that common for us but I thrive on helping patients get through their tests when it happens. Knowing I may potentially be saving someone’s life by being able to obtain the images and information needed is extremely fulfilling. I hope for all their sakes that we don’t find anything detrimental, however I’m also just as happy when we do and we know that patient will be directed to proper treatment.
A little kindness by your healthcare provider can go a long way in improving someone’s life.
@cinoclav well done!
As an ER nurse it really chaps my ass when staff isn’t nice to patients.
@cinoclav I completely understand it feeling like bragging about yourself. But please always feel free to share more stories like this. That was very compassionate, how you treated him. They’re lucky to have you, because not everyone in the medical field is that caring. Your story made me smile a lot and warmed my heart
@chienfou Thank you. I always think of you when I post something work related here as I know you understand. As you’re sadly aware, there are an awful lot of people in healthcare that should be working elsewhere. I know by your comments that you are an amazing nurse and your patients and staff are lucky to have you.
@nonlion Aww, thank you for the kind words. I’d like to think I’m just doing my job but for some reason this particular patient stood out a bit more. I guess in part because of the actual physical reaction exhibited due to his claustrophobia. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do.
@cinoclav @nonlion
thank you as well. It’s nice to know there are at least a few like minded people in the trade!
@cinoclav I wish more people had a work ethic like yours, where you think it’s just part of your job. Not everyone has this mentally with their jobs, and I know you touch many lives with it.
@nonlion Sadly, I see that mentality too often where people just do the bare minimum. I’d like to think healthcare workers and teachers have something in common in that they often go above and beyond to help in any way they can. I think about all those teachers right now paying for supplies out of their own pockets just to give their students a welcoming classroom and the tools they need to succeed. I think most healthcare workers do truly care about their patients and give them their best, but there are certainly a handful who simply do what they have to to collect their paycheck. Sometimes it’s the easy, little things that make the difference in my field - an extra cushion under the knees, a warm blanket, a helping hand sitting up. These things take so little effort yet make such a big difference to patients.
@cinoclav @nonlion I’m still immensely grateful to some nurses I’ve had. I had my tonsils out at 14; I woke up groggy in the OR and cried because my throat hurt so much, and this nurse just came and stroked my head - that was so comforting! And as an adult, I was not completely out when a procedure was being done, and some guy was in the room blabbing away to my radiologist in a loud voice about skiing. Pissed me off and I started squirming and grimacing. My nurse told him to be quiet.
The nurses are often more tuned in than the doctors.
@Kyeh In general, nurses have their act together way better than doctors.
@cinoclav I completely agree. Stories like the teachers buying their own supplies during the pandemic, and even still, warm my heart. It’s people like them that take action to care for those around them. You can want to do nice and kind for those around you, but what really matters is when you actually do the acts of kindness. To me, that’s the big difference with people in this world. That’s also why I like to encourage acts of kindness; people think it always has to be a grand gesture but it doesn’t. Just paying for someone’s coffee in the morning is taking care of that person. Just like you said, it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference.
@cinoclav @Kyeh That’s so incredible your nurses did this for you, I’m glad!
My dad has mouth cancer and it’s eaten away in the hard pallet of his mouth and the dr gave us a number for a recommendation of another dr to see that could possibly make a prosthetic denture bc we are barely able to understand my father talk now(I handle all my fathers affairs bc he’s also bind). So it turns out it was actually the actually drs personal cell phone number, he answered was very nice and gave me the number of his assistant. She told me that since he’s a karmanos dr we have to become karmanos pts before we can see him. Not really understanding the process I call my dads dr back and try to get them to refer us. They call me back and tell me something else. I call the drs assistant back and ask “what do I have to do to become a karmanos pt? She says “you have to be seen by a karmanos dr then if they deem fit they will refer you to the dr you want to see.” But she has no idea how we become a karmanos pt. Fast forward 3 weeks (a lot of phone tag, nobody knowing what the hell their talking about and people talking in complete circles to avoid saying I don’t know) this lady just repeating herself to me bc she has no idea what she’s talking about she finally has another number I can call. I call that number and explain my situation and lady acts like she has no clue what im talking about again. After going round and round with her for about 15 mins she finally figured it out and I got my dads info entered into the system and his records faxed over(now waiting for them to call me back to book an actual appointment lol). If I’m not persistent I don’t know what I am.
Anyways after I finally figured out exactly what to say and had a solid number, I called the original dr back this morning and passed along all the info I had learned and told them I just wanted to pay it forward bc I know how frustrating the process is. The lady was so surprised and overjoyed. I could tell they don’t get a lot of people that do that kind of stuff. The dr had been nothing but absolutely kind and patient with my family so I just wanted to do something small for them.
The past 3 weeks really have been the most idiotic conversations of my life. You would think people from other hospital systems call and try to see their drs more than once in a lifetime and it would be something they would know offhand, you would think. But again that’s what I get for thinking lol.
@Star2236 wow! First, I’m really sorry your dad has mouth cancer. I hope they can get him those dentures soon! Second, thats an awesome story and that made me happy to hear it. By passing that along, you probably just saved a bunch of other future patients from having to deal with that. Marvelous way to pay it forward
VAN GOGH! MANGO! TANGO! AWESOME!
@nonlion
Thanks. I really hope other people benefit from it. It was just really nice to hear the appreciation in the assistants voice. They know me by name from how often Ive called over the years (dads second time with cancer) and I often feel like I’m a pain in their ass and sometimes hate calling but do so anyways bc of dad.
@Star2236 your dad is a true fighter if this is his second time with cancer. I respect him and will keep him in my thoughts. I know what you mean about feeling bad calling so much, I’m like that too haha
Through good times (that won’t last and must be savored at the moment) and bad times (that must be tolerated), my mantra has been what is expressed in this image:
I’m not usually one to display pictures or art, but I used to have that saying on a small stained glass stand on the sill of my kitchen window, where it really caught the sunlight in the morning and reminded me. I lost it in a fire in that house. But it was still on my mind and got me through that.
@nonlion
i’m sure someone will appreciate Joe’s creation, but the real gift you are giving is all the positive vibes from this thread.
@phendrick that must’ve been real pretty and a perfect daily reminder. Im happy you posted this, because that’s one of the things I struggle with a lot: remembering things will pass. I may have to find my own daily reminder of it. I’m sorry you lost it in the fire, and I hope you’ve been recovering okay from that event.
@phendrick also, thank you. I’m just happy so many people have posted already; I was worried it would get brushed under the rug. I truly believe we need more kindness in the world. Everything else that happens in our lives, personally, globally, no one can wave a magic wand and fix all our problems or struggles. But showing kindness, being grateful, sharing affirmations and mantras, these things can make it just a little bit easier to get through that rough day. So I hope this thread can help cheer people up, and be something they look back at when life seems a little more difficult than usual
@nonlion @phendrick
I like that.
One time I was on a discussion forum which is almost always fun with lots of humor, sarcasm, and general joviality, but is from time to time plagued by negativity. Then one day someone, instead of participating in the braggadocio, insults, or general one-upsmanship common across such mediums, asks for others to relate their best ideas of positivity, motivation, or kindness, which was the greatest kindness of all.
I just wish I could remember where it was.
@ybmuG this was really cute and sweet, and made me laugh by the time I got to the end. I sure hope you remember where the forum was
and thank you. That was very nice of you to say
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
@ircon96 This is absolutely perfect and well-timed. I encourage everyone to either be a candle or a mirror today, and every day that you possibly can
“LOVE many, TRUST few, & ALWAYS
paddle your OWN CANOE!”
It’s for everyone, BUT I usually aim it
Toward the Ladies, ESPECIALLY the
Younger ones, it’s a struggle, absolutely
But VERY important, for you to KNOW,
WITH CONFIDENCE, you can take care of
Yourself! Never TOTALLY depend on
Anyone, Long Term! (just in case)
@mammy87
I support this! It’s great to lean on other people in times of need. But everyone must always remember: you are facing these battles because you DO have the strength to get through them. You would not be dealing with them if you weren’t strong enough to deal with. Be confident in yourself, and trust yourself. Trust that no matter what happens, you can and WILL get through it. Not because someone else will do it for you, but because you are strong enough to do it yourself
Came across this today and it was a reminder I needed.
@metaphore I’m so happy you found this when you needed it. I know so many of my family members and my close friends (and let’s be honest, myself included) who find it difficult to reach out to others because it feels ‘weak’. I hate that this mentality lives in so many people, because reaching out for support is actually the strongest thing you can do. We’re not meant to carry everything all by ourselves. That’s why we have loved ones around us, to lean on when we need it. It’s a hard lesson I’ve learned, but I learned that the more we try to carry it all ourselves, the harder it is to work through it. If you ever need this reminder, you can feel free to reach out to me and I’ll remind you of this times 100!
Perfection was mentioned above. It something I work against because I set high standards for myself. I have to remind myself often that an improvement is better than doing nothing. Otherwise I will procrastinate on things that need done because I don’t have time to do it the way I want.
Todo lists work wonders for me. I write down and organize everything. Errands in one section, shopping lists, phone calls, housework and long term projects in other sections. It gives me satisfaction to cross items off and reminds me of the long term larger items that I need to work toward.
I was terribly shy as a child. Later I figured out that I didn’t have to share everything or even anything I didn’t want. A smile and a simple comment or question then listen has really helped me deal with people.
I like the positive vibe in this thread.
Firstly, apologies I didn’t post the winner sooner! Been a whirlwind of a weekend. Second, I just want to say thank you to everyone for embracing this and spreading positivity, kindness, stories that made you smile, things that encouraged you, etc. I hope people will occasionally look back on here whenever some positivity or motivation is needed. Everyone had so much to share, and it immediately became obvious to me that I would not be able to pick a winner myself. I wish everyone could get a prize for sharing and encouraging others. So I wrote down all the eligible users and made my boyfriend pick a random username out of a hat. So without further ado…
Congratulations to @cerridwyn ! Please send me a whisper message with where you would like me to ship it to, and I will ship it out this week! I’ll also make sure to include a tracking number for you so you know when it’s coming
Wow
It arrived today everybody at the office has ooo’d and ahh’d at it. We are doing an Adams family theme for the office for Halloween and it will fit right in
Thank you very much