I hope you all are sitting for this because I actually have something serious to say. (no I'm not kidding)

During my life time...which is a verrrrry long time...I have taken on a goodly number of just plain "labor" type jobs. I've cleaned houses, washed people's dogs, done their ironing, and oh yeah....I've done the store clerk and server thing more than once. And that's why I have first hand knowledge of what it feels like to be demeaned by another human being who is trying to impress their friends, or just feels.....entitled. If you haven't done a physical labor job, you may be ignorant of the fact that (especially servers) are demeaned on a regular basis often enough by managers who are dumber than dirt. They are asked, nay...ordered, to mop floors, scrub walls and counters, and carry things bigger than they are on a regular basis. And when I was serving they made appoximately $2.10 for the effort. So basically a server's entire wages depend on your generosity.

One unkind statement, one person demeaning you publicly, can ruin an entire night...and is not forgotten even years later. Being unkind to others just because we can is nothing to be proud of. I am driven to post this because I witnessed this kind of demeaning of a woman "trying" to do her job by other "women" today at the market. Women....please...we should be supporting each other, not tearing each other down! (unless of course the other person is an ass)

So as yet another holiday season approaches, while you're out shopping or grabbing a quick bite to eat... remember what I am about to say to you. Cause nuthin' anywhere close to wise is gonna tap off these fingers again anytime soon.
An act of kindness is not only a gift to the receiver, but to the giver as well.
It is "free", uniquely yours to give, and will be remembered by the person who received it, long after you've forgotten doing so. So if you give nothing else this year, give a kind word, a warm smile, and be patient. This ....matters more than anything else you will do this holiday season.

Labels: kindness, menial labor