Random Act of Kindness

I was out running errands yesterday because I had to mail a certain letter didn’t I? Anyway I pulled into my Starbucks to get a grilled cheese and cookie crumble Frappuccino (lunch of champions!) and when I got to the window, the barista tells me the vehicle before me paid for mine. I look over and see a truck with what looks like an older couple and I waved my thanks.

I didn’t recognize them so I assume they were doing the random act of kindness thing. I said “wow that was nice, thank you” then pulled away. It was as I’m waiting at the light to head home that I realize I didn’t ask if they had tipped. As I had no cash I couldn’t have tipped anyway, but I should have asked.

It got me thinking about something I read not too long ago. If you want to really do an act of kindness give the barista a huge tip instead of paying for the person behind you.

As someone going through the drive thru, I obviously have enough money to be able to buy my own coffee or I wouldn’t be in the line to begin with. But that barista doesn’t make very much and with Starbucks corporate working so hard to fight the union, the barista isn’t likely going to make more anytime soon. The barista needs it more than I do.

Not that I’m not grateful. It’s always nice to have someone do something kind. There’s definitely not enough kindness in the world right now.

And yes, I’m aware that maybe I should not be giving my money to a union busting company. but I can’t fix everything in the world, and I need my coffee.

If you want to do a random act of kindness, slip the barista a $10 or a $20, or tip the waitperson the amount of the bill, or double the normal tip you give your barber or hairdresser.

If you can’t afford cash, let someone merge on the highway, open the door for someone, smile and say good morning, I like your boots, coat, scarf, etc. It’s really not that hard.

Be kind my friends.