Today, I was reminded of a random act of kindness.
Rewind eight years.
I had just relocated to my hometown of Bracebridge to launch my business. I would best coin this chapter in my life as reinvention. I had spent fourteen glorious years working at Procter & Gamble in Toronto. I made the decision to return to my pioneer roots, friends, rocks, trees and water of mystical Muskoka. I missed the smells. Also, importantly, to live out my passion.
The move north generated a lot of emotions, primarily excitement and hope. This was balanced with feelings of some doubt. Being a virgin entrepreneur, could I really make it big? This life and career transition was gigantic for me. Mediocrity was not an option. Being a fourth generation business owner from the Rosewarne and Golden clans, I did have deeply buried confidence.
Wanting to reconnect with lifelong friends and wise business people, I invited Doug for breakfast. It occurred to me, that in order to be successful in business ownership, I needed to learn how to sell, meaning my brand, expertise, services, products … and me. Thankfully, Doug agreed to be my mentor.
After many teachable moments, the bill arrived. I noticed Doug’s hand reaching into his pocket. Out pops a pen. He proceeded to write me a cheque totalling a significant amount. I accepted his generous gift with grace. Without words, he was saying ... keep dreaming big, I'm proud of you and persevere. Believe. This gesture gave me such hope.
Fast forward eight years.
This week, I saw Doug at his car dealership. Down came the car windows. We chatted about family, friends and summer adventures. A wave good bye. My objective at that moment was to get a car wash at his dealership. When I handed the money to the attendant, it was returned. I gather Doug instructed his employee to do this. A year ago, a friend of Doug’s (whom I met only once), surprised me by paying for my tank of gas. Another generous and giving soul paying it forward.
Fast forward fifteen minutes.
After my car wash, I noticed a budding entrepreneur promoting her lemonade at a stand. With a quick glance, I saw a Dodge Ram making a U turn. Someone was stopping to wet their whistle. Again … it was Doug showing his unfailing support for another enterprising entrepreneur.
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.”