I am a firm believer in the concept of karma - that what you put out in the world has a direct impact on what comes into your world. People laugh at me all the time because I have some very small, yet strange habits, that simply exist to put good karma out in my world.
I always hold the elevator for people if I see them coming. The 15 seconds I have to wait will have no real effect on my day, even if I'm running late for something. However, depending on the building, the other person may have to wait a good 5 minutes for the elevator to come back to them and that really could have an effect on their day.
I always let people merge in traffic. The goal is that some day I'll be in a huge hurry for something supremely important and magically the universe will clear all of the traffic out of my way. Or at least I won't miss my exit because someone was being a jerk.
Likewise, I don't care how far behind me they are, I always pull over for a police car, ambulance, or fire truck coming up with sirens blaring. There is nothing more disgusting to me than people who use that unfortunate situation to get around traffic faster. PULL OVER. If I ever need to get to the hospital really quickly, or if my house is burning down or I just got shot, I think my little habit will get help to me faster. It certainly won't slow them down.
I always hold the door open for people either coming or going. Much like the elevator, it doesn't take me any extra time and it's just a nice thing to do.
Last but not least, I always smile at waitstaff, retail workers, fast food employees, etc. I've worked those jobs and they suck. People aren't all that nice to you and you're working your butt off to make a little money. I've learned that being a little extra nice can go a long way toward getting better service - thereby making your day better. If that isn't karma in motion, I don't know what is.
Anything you find yourself doing every day to put good karma out in the universe?
I try to do those things too. Especially smile at people and hold the door. I also always say thank you to anyone and everyone that does something for me no matter how small. You never know how far out of their way someone may have had to go to do something for you and a thank you can go a long way.
ReplyDeleteThis whole karma way of thinking, even if it turns out that it doesn't work, will make SOMEONE's day better and you're right that it doesn't take much out of your day to do it.
Great post Rikki! Love it!
ps. your blog is looking GREAT!