Small Acts of Kindness

With so much focus on survival skills, survival food and survival tactics, it is easy to get sucked in to a mindset where the future looks grim.  I have written about this before; we get so involved and entrenched with day to day preps that it almost appears that we want something bad to happen when in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

On the other hand, all we need to do is open our eyes to the world around us to see that there are bright spots here and there.  These bright spots have to do with human kindness and the one-to-one efforts undertaken every day to improve the human condition.

So what do I see?

• Food Pantry Workers including those in need themselves spending time to see that others are fed
• Faith Organizations providing refuge to the homeless by allowing “tent cities” to reside on their grounds (and further to fight local authorities for the right to do so)
• Red Cross volunteers responding to selflessly to disasters – things as common as hometown fires in the middle of the night to rapid response to large scale disasters
• Companies – and yes there are some – that deliver superior customer service in spite of tough economic times, reduced profits and a national trend to ignore the customer.

All of these things and more make be proud to be a citizen of this planet.  Oh yes, the bad guys are out there.  The crooked politicians, the sneaky corporations, the corrupt wall street types.  They are there and we must be ever vigilant to steer clear of their shenanigans.  On the other hand, there are good hearted souls who are responsible and caring and who deserve a positive nod from time to time.

Today I would like to share a video that was written and directed by Sharon Wright.  She came up with the idea of this video while playing with the idea of what could you do with a penny, nickel, or a dime.  Could you change someone’s life?  Could you have a positive impact?

In this short little film, the homeless man is asking for change.  But is he really asking for coins in a cup or for something larger?  I would like to believe that he is telling us that even the invisible and powerless members of our society have the ability to make a difference, one penny at a time, one step at a time.

Let us follow this homeless man and see what he does with his dollar.  You be the judge.

The Final Word

I believe in small acts of kindness and feel that all acts of kindness are large in both heart and spirit.  To further that thought, I believe that every act of kindness and compassion affect our lives and those around us like the ripple effect of a stone skipping through water. For one way or another, we are interconnected to everyone on this planet and everyone in this universe.

And that, if nothing else, gives me optimism to keep going and to look forward to a world that is better than the world we live in today.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

In case you are interested: 

Change for a Dollar is an award-winning short film. More information can be found at the film’s Facebook page:  Change For a Dollar.

Winner – Best Short Film – Maryville Film Festival
Winner – Audience Choice Award – Gateway Film Festival
Winner – Audience Choice Award – Moonlight Film Festival
Nominated – Best Female Filmmaker Award – Action On Film Intl Film Festival
Nominated – Sirrocco Award – Action On Film Intl Film Festival
Nominated – Best Silent Film – BareBones Intl Film Festival

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye

Like this? You might also like:

Want to help support Backdoor Survival?
Your purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!

From the Bargain Bin: Survival is all about learning to fend for yourself. Growing your own food, cooking and building stuff are all essential. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Lodge Logic 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet: This purchase changed the way I cook. I se my cast iron cookware for everything from salmon, to bacon and eggs, to biscuits. Don’t forget the Lodge Set of 2 Pan Scrapers, a must have for cleaning those food bits from your cast iron cookware.

Mora Bushcraft Series Triflex Carbon Steel Blade Knife:  A great knife at a great price. Mora knives have almost a cult following.

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools M37-N SEAL Pup: This highly rated knife will do it all whether you are an avid hiker, hunter, camper, fisherman or just someone who wants to be prepared for whatever the world will throw at you.

Rothco 550lb. Type III Nylon Paracord: As far as I am concerned, paracord ranks up there with duct tape and zip ties. I wish I had know about this stuff years ago.

Fiskars 7855 8-Inch Hatchet: I think a common mistake is to pick up a cheap hatchet from Harbor Freight and call it a day. This is something you do not want to skimp on. A Fiskars is easily sharpened and will last a lifetime. Oh, and while you are at it, you might also like the Fiskars Axe & Knife Sharpener .

Square Foot Gardening: You do not need a lot of space to grow your own food. Start with some awesome greens and branch out from there. This method works. Seed catalogs will be out next month, why not start your planning now?