Be Kind, Rewind.

Before there were mail order DVD rentals or instant movies ordered on your television, there was the video store. Movie nights consisted of getting in the car and driving to the local Blockbuster or Purple Potamus – I know, what a ridiculous name for a movie store, but I digress. You and your family or friends would peruse the aisles for something you were in the mood for. At home you pop your movie into the VCR, but what is that plastered lengthwise on the tape? If you’ve ever rented a movie (and by movie I mean VHS) from a video store, you know what I’m talking about – “Be Kind Rewind.” That oh-so-gentle reminder to rewind your tape after viewing. Let’s take a moment to examine that phrase. It says, “Be Kind” when it could say something like, “You must” or “Don’t go forget to.” You see, by saying “Be Kind” they are trying to appeal to your conscience. They are saying “Dear Kind Video Renter, please be considerate of the next viewer of your movie selection and rewind the tape for them.”

It is in these choice words, we can learn a lesson. What is it that we can take away from this message? Commit acts of kindness, whenever possible. We can all do better and start off our mornings by saying “Today, I will be kind.” I know what you’re thinking – “But what about that jerk that works in my office or that guy that cut me off on the highway?” I hear you. I hear you loud and clear. I know those people and I have to encounter them, too. I’m not telling you this will always be easy. I know that people you encounter throughout your day may bring out the worst in you but remember, you always have the chance to take the high road. You always have the opportunity to be kind. Sure, I have been known to give the occasional death stare to that “Office Jerk” or the stink eye to that person who conveniently shuts the elevator door in my face. I do. I’ll admit it. But I also pick up trash in front of my neighbors house, leave food next to sleeping homeless people and smile at the woman in the elevator who is looking me up and down – and I don’t mean in a good way. Why? Well, at the end of the day these small acts of kindness add to what I like to call a “Piggy Bank of Character” or what the Buddhist call “Karma.” Each and every act of kindness, whether small or large, makes a difference. If you are kind, you can be sure at the end of the day you have done good – unless you are “kind” to the teller of the bank you are robbing, which in that case doesn’t count. My point is, the only person that knows who are deep down inside is you. You know who you are and you’re the only one that has to live with it.

So, when you get the chance – rewind that videotape*, open the door for someone, hold that elevator door open, say “please” and “thank you.” You won’t regret it.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain

*I know no one rents videos anymore, just humor me for the sake of the story.

:panda:

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~ by wideawoke on January 18, 2010.