An act of kindness...
Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 12:56PM
Warren Matthews in My Diary

I just had to share this with you.

A couple of days ago I was at the airport in Christchurch, New Zealand waiting for a flight to Auckland and then on to Shanghai.

Well, when I arrived at the airport in CHCH I realised that I had forgotten my tooth brush.  So, I went to the bookshop in the terminal building to buy one.  They had a double toothbrush set for NZ$3.50 so I bought it.  Only problem was that I couldn't find any New Zealand currency, although I knew that I had some in amongst a variety of currency that I carry. 

Anyway, I am sorting through this wad of cash which had 16 currencies whilst the attendant patiently waited.  I could have used my EFPOS card or a credit card but I was determined to find some NZ cash because it was such a small amount.

In the meantime a woman came in to buy a newspaper and had overheard my discussion because it was quite funny.  She insisted that the attendant takes the $3.50 out of her change.  I protested and explained that I had some NZ cash there and I had alternative means of paying for it but she insisted and whilst this was going on the shop attendant had already given her the change less the $3.50 and I was still fumbling around sorting through various currencies.

I asked the woman to hold on as I had just found the cash but she just smiled and said maybe I can give it back in another life and then walked away.  I thought I will catch up to  her and arrange to send her a bottle of Omega 3 but by the time I was able to get out of the shop she was gone.

Why mention this?  What's it got to do with health?

Well, a lot I think.  I don't know what age this woman was...maybe 50 or 60 but she had a calmness and a glow about her which indicates good health.  She obviously knows how giving can enrich your life and ultimately comes back to you ten fold.  That I believe is the law of the universe.  You don't need to give money because you may not have it...but, time and even a smile is a form of giving.

I am sure that if you make a conscious effort each day to give something to someone else, even a stranger that your life will be enriched and your health will be enhanced.

Article originally appeared on Xtend Your Life (http://blog.xtend-life.com/).
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