Tag Archives: kindness

The People of Walmart

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No, I’m not going to belittle anyone who shops at Walmart. Why? Because I shop at Walmart. I have no choice. There’s not much to choose from where I live. It really chaps my hide when people put down Walmart and the folks who shop there. #1: Walmart is no better or worse than Target, Kohl’s or any other department store. They all have their positive aspects and negative aspects alike. #2: People are going to shop where it’s convenient for them. If they like a store, they will shop there. End of story.

Do I see people dressed funny when I go to Walmart? Sometimes. Do I see people with funny hairstyles at Walmart? Yep. Do I see ill-behaved children at Walmart? Definitely. Do I see socially awkward and ridiculous people at Walmart? Absolutely. Do I smell funny smells at Walmart? OMG yes.

It’s the same thing anywhere I go. That’s life. Truth be told, weird folks are everywhere.

But this post is about something more. It’s not about strange hairstyles, the clothing, the smells, the noise, weird behavior or anything else that you might find unfavorable. It’s about the genuine warmth of people. It’s about real people. It’s about people who are out there busting their butts working at Walmart (or Target, or any other store) who are really good people. It’s about the customers who are really nice and polite to other people. It’s time we stop focusing on the negative and look at the good right in front of our faces every time we go out.

This is a shout out to:

  • the people who smile as they pass even though they are having the worst day ever but can still be nice to others.
  • the woman who holds the restroom door open for you as she leaves.
  • the young man who asks you if you need help reaching something.
  • the employee who asks if you need help finding something.
  • the employee in electronics who answers every stupid question you throw at him.
  • the checker who works as quickly as she can and actually bags your groceries properly; the eggs are bagged separately and the bananas aren’t bagged with the canned goods.
  • the old man in the scooter who acknowledges he’s a reckless driver with a huge toothless grin on his face.
  • the woman who realizes she’s blocking the entire aisle and apologizes as she moves over.
  • the mothers who keep their children from running amuck and disturbing others.
  • the cart collector who helps you get your groceries in the trunk and then takes your cart back to the store.
  • the stock clerk who picks up the 40 lb. box of kitty litter (without being asked) and puts it in your cart for you.
  • the person who lets you go in front of him/her in the check out line.
  • the employee who goes to look if there’s new stock of something that seems to be unavailable on the shelves.
  • all the folks who say please, thank you, and excuse me.

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Thank you for being the light in someone’s day. Thank you for your hard work. Thanks for your kindness, generosity, and for being the good in this world. We need more people like you!

We Are Losing Our Humanity

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I become more and more disheartened by people as I grow older. We should all feel a moral obligation to one another but seems that isn’t always the case. Many folks pass by an animal that is lost or injured and rush to its aid, but to help a fellow human being who may be hungry or cold seems to be too much to fathom. Where is the compassion and kindness? We are losing our humanity.

I’d like to think that most people are kind and generous. I’d also like to think they would stop and help a fellow human being who is in need. What I hear though, is that most people are convinced that those who are down and out aren’t worthy of help somehow, “because they could get a job” or “they make more money begging.” Folks are just plain suspicious of other folks who need help. I suppose I can see their point of view because frankly, there are some bad apples in the barrel. People who take the easy way, steal from others, cheat the system, etc., ruin things for those who really are in need of assistance. BUT most people who are in need of assistance are genuinely IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE.

Poverty in America is staggering! If you don’t believe me, do a quick Google search and you’ll see. Over 40 million Americans are living under the poverty level. That’s just mind-boggling. Some are college graduates. Some are seniors. Some are disabled. Many are children! With a higher cost of living and minimum wage not even coming close to being a “living wage,” it’s no wonder folks turn to public assistance programs and standing in the cold with signs that read, “Will work for food.” It’s a shame that in this great country we have such poverty.

Anyway, I refuse to lose my humanity. I will still try to see the good in others. I will still try to help someone in need if I can. I can’t judge one person because of another’s actions. I can’t lose sight of the fact that poverty can and does strike anyone, regardless of their education, age, skin color, marital status, health, etc.

What will you do to help others this year? Here are a few things we can all take the time to do to help our fellow humans:

  1. Volunteer in a soup kitchen, nursing home, or shelter.
  2. Donate clothing you no longer want or need.
  3. Donate money to help your own community.
  4. Donate canned goods to a homeless shelter.
  5. Donate coats that your children have outgrown to a local school.
  6. Offer to help an elderly neighbor with groceries or cleaning chores.
  7. If you knit or crochet, make afghans, scarves, or hats for those less fortunate.
  8. Cook for someone who may be overwhelmed with grief or stress.
  9. Donate stuffed animals and other toys to a children’s hospital.
  10. Do good deeds throughout the day, such as holding the door for someone, let someone step in front of you in line at the store, send someone a handwritten note, compliment people, smile at strangers, be helpful, share your time, teach someone a skill you are proficient at…..

I think you get the idea! 

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