day 3: random acts of kindness = fun!

my love asked me to bring her a peppermint mocha from starbucks on my way home today. yes, the fika girl even goes to starbucks every now & then. as i was driving, i started thinking about what i would be “giving” today for my 40 days of giving. pretty soon, i had settled on the idea of possibly paying extra so that the person behind would get a free coffee. but, i had to wait to scope out the starbucks situation when i got there.

well, i parked my car in the nearly full parking lot and opened the door to a very christmas-y, very busy place. there was a long line, christmas music was blasting through the speakers, people were chatting, and it was just general cheeriness all around. so, i decided i’d do it.

i approached the counter, saw the gift cards there, and picked one up. as i got ready to pay, i discreetly told the cashier that i was going to pay for my latte and then load the gift card with $10. then, i told the the cashier that i wanted her to use the card for the person behind me in line. the cashier was so cute… she got all giggly and said, “really?! that is so sweet!” as she rang me up and as i paid, she just kept saying that over and over again. and then she wished me a really great day, and i wished it right back to her. there was giddy excitement just bubbling over between us, and she could hardly speak.

i finished the transaction and moved away from the counter to wait for my coffee. i started messing around with my phone so it wasn’t so obvious, but i kept peeking up, sneaking a peek at the lady behind me as she ordered her coffee. i was so excited!

then, i saw it happen. she had her visa card out to hand to the cashier. but, the cashier said that she didn’t have to pay. the woman was confused and said something, still trying to pay, i think. the cashier grinned really big and repeated again that she didn’t need to pay anything. totally stunned, the woman asked if someone had paid for it and the cashier confirmed that, yes, it was already paid for. i heard the woman exclaim, “that is so sweet!”

i tried not to make eye contact with the woman, i wanted to be as anonymous as i could for as long as i could. but, a few seconds later, she touched me on my arm and asked if i had paid for her coffee. i admitted that i did, and she thanked me so freaking much. all i said to her was “merry christmas early”. she was in shock and a little embarrassed, as was i, so she turned away  and i turned back to my phone to continue my wait for the coffee.

the barista called my name and i grabbed my coffee. as i walked passed the lady, she grabbed my arm again and thanked me profusely. i said to her, “it was my pleasure… just pass it on now.” we both smiled and i walked out the door. well, it was more like i floated out the door. i was so high from excitement and joy that it felt like i was up in the clouds. all of the happiness and a tiny bit holiday cheer swirled about me. i think i laughed to myself the whole way home.

so, here’s my advice: do something random. watch someone smile. and giggle all the way home. my recommendation for a great way to kick off the holiday season.  and so. much. fun!

namaste.