5 Small Things that Make a Big Difference
Posted April 18, 2011
Ann Chappell’s grandparents, Birdie and Thomas Doherty, inspired her to live a more selfless life.
ANN CHAPPELL wrote us at SeetheGood.com, because she kept seeing our stories about people doing spectacular, extraordinary things. “They were all great,” she says. “But I thought, ‘Sometimes it’s the little things you do that can change a person’s day.’”
She learned this philosophy of simple benevolence from her grandparents and parents.
Her grandfather passed away before she knew him—before any of his 33 grandchildren were born, in fact—but she grew up hearing stories of his selfless giving.
“Everyone told me that he would give the last shirt off his back to someone in need and come home with full faith that he’d be taken care of,” says Ann.
And her grandmother would apparently do anything for her grandchildren. “During the weeks she stayed with us, she made us our favorite foods,” she says. “She even went to the extra effort of making my younger sister a separate bowl of banana pudding, minus the bananas.”
One of Ann’s aunts once said, "Your grandmother has given you the best gift of all, because she gives of herself."
Today, Ann often thinks about others and offers small, sometimes anonymous gestures of kindness.
“I'm not sure if my efforts always pay off,” she says. “But I know how it makes me feel when someone thinks about me and does a small thing for me.”
Ann argues that her own story is not that phenomenal. “It’s just a way of life that I have adopted,” she says.
Actually, Ann, we disagree. It’s pretty phenomenal.
Ann’s 5 Small Acts of Kindness
1. To anyone who serves, at a fast food restaurant drive-thru for instance, say, "Thank you and have a nice day."
2. When checking out at a grocery or drug store, ask the clerk what his favorite candy bar is. Buy one and hand it to him.
3. Make a simple craft item, and give it to a total stranger.
4. Pay for a person's meal without him knowing it. (I like to do this for police officers or armed service members.)
5. For no special reason, cut flowers out of your yard and deliver them to a neighbor.
ANN CHAPPELL is a trust officer with Regions.
comments (19)
I think this is exactly what this site is about. We should all strive to do something small and kind each day. This is what makes a difference in a terrible day and a good day. Often times, it is even a turning point in someone's day. It is so easy to turn a kind word or make a small gesture of kindness. We can all take some good advice from Ann. As a matter of fact, I think we should look at it as a challenge to "do the right thing"!
StephanieI am one person that is fortunate to know Ann! Anyone that knows Ann knows that she really does much more for people than she may ever know. Thank you, Ann, for sharing!
SandyWhat a wonderful family. You never know in the course of the day who you have touched and how it may have made a difference in their lives. Such a wonderful gift that will continue for many generations.
JohnnieThis is wonderful! Doing great things for family and friends is one thing, However to go out of your way to bless a complete stranger is PHENOMENAL, and especially when you are not expecting anything is return..Ann you will be rewarded for your thoughtfulness.
Ms.PamI think this is wonderful! I too try to thank everyone who does a service for me, and it's good to see them smile. I especially try to show kindness to thoses who are rude to me. It's not always easy, but everyone has bad days. It's how you choose to handle those days that define you.
BethI have a customer who always keeps several packs of chewing gum with him. Prior to leaving my desk he hands me a pack of the gum and says " I hope this makes your day a little sweeter". (and it does)
Toniit was wonderful.
pinaThis is a very sweet, very inspiring story. I know Ann believes what she says and tries to follow her own advice. We all need these reminders to try to do these random acts of kindness every day. If everyone did, what a different (and better) world this could be. Way to go, Ann! Thanks for the reminder.
Lucille BadgerI have actually done #4 before. I saw an old customer of mine from a previous bank I had worked for, I remembered him, he didn't remember me. What I did remember about him was how hard he worked and what a nice man he was. He had some sort of disability, not sure what type, but he was on a date this particular night. My spouse and I were on our anniversary date as well. We decided instead of giving each other gifts that night, our gift to each other would be the gift of giving to someone else, so we bought the couples dinner and sat back to watch the reaction as they were told the news....."someone" had bought their dinner. It was the best anniversary gift we could have given ourselves and has since become an addicting habit. :)
MissyYou never know what a stanger, co worker or someone at church may be going through. May we all strive to brighten someone's day with no fan fare. God knows pour hearts. Thanks for loving others.
Sheliavery great topic. Pay it forward means alot and can be done at any time you are around strangers. I do the same thing at stores and restarants. It makes my day to see people surprised by someone they don't even know. Try it, you will like it also!!!!!!!!
Debra JohnsonNot only do I agree...this happened to me in the drive thru this week. The lady before me paid for my and another associates's lunch. It was such a nice gesture I returned the favor the next day and try to pass it on every day in some way. What a nice story!
BeckyI like this. This story sounds alot like my grandmother. She was a strong Christian lady and lived by "treat everyone(not just some)the same as you want to be treated." Her door was always open to anyone and she would always ask if you'd like a glass of tea. She instilled this in me and I thank God for grandmothers such as we have.
JudyYes Ann, It is the little things that make someone's day. I received your Easter card yesterday in the mail. It made my day!!! You are a treasure for a sister-in-law!!!
Sally ChappellAnne is just what she writes. Kind, caring and sweet. I married her grandfathers daughter and I loved Tom and his wife Bertie who lived with my family of 12 after Tom died.
AlbertIt is indeed the little things. I hope that many will take part in Ann's steps. It really does make a difference. Ann is such a wonderful and giving person. The first thing I thought when I read it... she's just like her grandfather... must be in their genes :-)
ClaudineAnne, this is Sheila's mother. I so enjoyed your story of the grandparents and your suggestions. Thank you so much for sharing.
DonnaIt is nice to see that the gift of sharing ourselves is still out there. So many times, we hear the stories of tragedy happening while people stand by and watch it unfold. To touch someone deeply can be by a handshake, a hug, a smile, or just by a friendly greeting. It is not always the big earthshaking events that touch a life; sometimes it is just knowing someone saw you and acknowledged your presence,
Judy Bates"See the Good..." is a wonderful, inspirational message of hope. I know personally that the people at Regions truly care about your success. Thank you, and I will let others know about your wonderful message of hope in our community.
Susan Murray