Lately, I’ve been paying attention to what people do for others. It’s so easy to get down on how selfish we’ve become as a society, that we lose sight of the ones who are others-focused. Maybe othering is contagious. I’m determined to start a domino effect and see what comes from it. Here are a few “othering sightings” I’ve seen or heard about.
At a recent writers’ getaway, one of our members offered to get coffee from the dining hall and deliver it to attendees needing a caffeine jolt to start their days. She’s an early riser and wanted to be a blessing to the ones who didn’t feel up to getting out and about at the crack of dawn. Here’s the best part—Stephenie doesn’t even drink coffee! She just wanted to serve these ladies. She excels at othering.
My friend Pamela shines when she’s focused on others, too. For her 55th birthday, she decided to come up with 55 acts of kindness. She handed out one-dollar bills to people at the dollar store. Gave her hair stylist flowers. Took chips and homemade dip to the Veterans Affairs chaplains’ office. Dropped off Billy Graham books at the orthodontist’s waiting room. Delivered supplies and tissues to the school. Towels and doggy treats went to the veterinarian’s office. On and on it went, until she accomplished 55 deeds. Often, it was the notes that went with the gifts that touched the recipients the most.