Waitress Blessed With $1,200 Tip
There are many mixed opinions when it comes to tipping. But the reality is that many servers rely on tips to make a decent living, working hard to ensure customer satisfaction with each and every meal.But even the best of servers don’t expect their patrons to go above and beyond like this group of diners did one day in Georgia.The Holiday Time Uplifting Story James Deal / FacebookIt was December, and Janet Ballard was working the lunch shift at Cracker Barrel. She had been at the chain for more than a decade, so it was business as usual for the server when a group of 12 came in to eat. It was not, however, a routine meal for the patrons who came in that day.You see, the group had come into the eatery with the intention of spreading generosity. They were a bunch of church-going friends who wanted to lift someone up ahead of the holidays, and they had hatched a plan.In what James Deal described in a Facebook post as the “1st Annual 100 dollar breakfast,” each of the 12 diners left Ballard a $100 tip at the end of the meal. In total, they pooled together $1,200 and put it in a card for their server.“I read the card, and it had scriptures on it, which let me know they were good people,” Ballard told Today. “They were very genuine individuals. They were total strangers.”The Surprise of a Lifetime Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash Ballard was shocked as she counted the money and was choked up by the time she reached $400. She couldn’t believe that these strangers had been so generous, and she grew more and more emotional as someone filmed her. “I don’t really like to cry with a camera in my face, but I didn’t even care at this point,” she recalled. “I had 12 total strangers saying, ‘Hey, we care enough about you because of how you made us feel while we were dining and we want to be a blessing to you and your family.'”According to Ballard, the money was an answer to her prayers. She had needed help paying her taxes and was stressed out about her car payment. With this money, she was able to pay down both.Paying It Forward Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash Deal and the rest of the group wanted to share their moment of giving in order to inspire others to do the same. That’s why they posted it on Facebook, where many weighed in on how nice it was to see such generosity, especially so close to the holidays. But social media users weren’t the only ones who were inspired.Ballard was so touched that she decided to use some of the money to help uplift others as well. After work, she went out for lunch and “blessed” her server with a large tip. Then she treated herself to a pedicure and gave the manicurist a large tip before the appointment began.“Because of the gift of love and caring and sharing I’m able to not only be a better Janet, but I am able to be an example for people this time of year who don’t have hope,” she added to Today.It's That Time of Year - Do the Unexpected! Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash Sometimes it’s just nice to see good people receive nice things, especially when it comes as a surprise. That’s one reason this story went viral and why so many people have responded to it. It’s an inspiring tale that reminds us to try and do something nice and unexpected for others in our own walks of life.It can be something small, like shoveling snow for a neighbor or baking someone you love a treat. Or it can be a larger, more organized thing, like a group of friends pooling extra money together for a life-changing gift to a stranger.Whatever you decide to do to uplift someone else, there’s no time like the present. With the holidays here, there are plenty of people out there who could use a little boost of joy.More from Goalcast:Shaq Visits His Favorite Restaurant With an Unusual Request – Then, He Shocks the Watchful Owner With a SurpriseExhausted Dad of 4 Doesn’t Notice a Stranger Watching Him Closely at Work – Is Shocked When He Finds This Note on a Bill Teen Waitress Loses Both Parents—Then She Gets a Surprise Tip That Changes Her Life
4 Signs You've Found a Kindred Spirit, Not a Soulmate
Spirituality exists beyond words — to a dimension where language can only hint at deeper truths. Any words used to attempt to describe or explain it will always be poor translations because words often fall short when describing spiritual experiences. It's like trying to capture the ocean's vastness in a photograph. It might show its surface but there's no replacement for the direct experience of reality.RELATED: The Psychology and Spirituality Causes Of An Identity CrisisOn Defining Spiritual ConnectionsThroughout history, people have tried to capture extraordinary experiences and spiritual connections through language. Terms like soulmates, twin flames, and kindred spirits attempt to describe these non-ordinary bonds. Yet these labels are merely signposts that point to something mysterious and won't fully capture it.When defining relationships, what’s most important is your primary experience — what your intuition and instinct tell you. So trust your gut as we explore the concept of kindred spirits, and how they differ from other types of relationships.What Is a Kindred Spirit?According to Cambridge Dictionary a kindred spirit is “a person who has the same opinions, feelings, and interests as you.” Its origin is unclear, but the structure of the word makes sense — kin means family. So it’s a safe bet to assume the word originated to describe a family not connected by blood but connected in spirit. Whether this was an attempt to literally attempt to define spiritual connections or a phrase used as more of a metaphor, is unclear.Typically, a kindred spirit is someone you have some type of instant connection with, and life will usually have a way of introducing you to the context of your similarities and shared quirks. Upon mapping this spiritual terrain, some people have categorized kindred spirits in contrast to other types of fated connections, including soulmates and twin flames.Kindred Spirits, Soulmates, and Twin FlamesKeeping the use of language in mind, all of these definitions aren’t clear facts, but interpretations. To their credit, these definitions have lasted the test of time, as enough people have found them relatable to their experience. As we go through the different definitions, consider how this relates to relationships you’ve experienced. You’ll likely get an intuitive sense of what these labels are pointing to.Unlike kindred spirits, whose relationships are usually friction-free and based in similarities, soulmates are relationships that are centered around spiritual growth. They are typically karmic relationships that are “designed” to teach. Their dynamics are usually catalytic, and although some soulmate connections can be fairly conflict free, many will have moments of conflict.RELATED: How To Apply The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessThe metaphysical idea behind this is that the soul, before incarnating, makes certain karmic agreements in terms of what lessons must be learned throughout an individual lifetime. This worldview incorporates the spiritual dimension as an invisible guiding force that allows for these opportunities to arise. A person can have many soulmates (sometimes called a soul tribe), and they can come in the form of many dynamics, including family, friends, colleagues, or mentors.Twin flames are soulmates on steroids. Each person has only one twin flame, said to be one soul separated into two. Also with deep karmic lessons to process and heal, many soulmates' relationships are high intensity, with a level of illumination that means it’s not easy to escape limitations or unhealed wounds in the presence of their other half. Words of warning, though, that sometimes twin flame relationships can be confused for trauma bonds.The Role Kindred Spirits PlaySo what’s the purpose of a kindred spirit? Bring to mind a relationship you feel could meet this definition. What does it mean to you? What does it offer? Kindred spirits are opportunities for connection. It’s easier to form a relationship with someone you hit it off with immediately. It gives you a whole host of topics to discuss, or hobbies to enjoy together. That can lead to trust being built over a short period. But another element of kindred spirits is often overlooked.Because kindred spirits are like-minded, these dynamics are opportunities to develop deeper levels of self-compassion and self-acceptance. Why? It’s often much easier to see the finer qualities in other people and fail to see them in ourselves. We might feel unlovable or different from others, with a subtle but limiting sense of separation. Meet someone who has the same interests, and in seeing them for who they are, you end up seeing yourself.That person and the mutual deep understanding of the relationship allows you to be more authentically you. They can empower you to move deeper into the things that give you a sense of inspiration and excitement, which comes with its own sense of adventure and aliveness. It can offer an outlet where you can share openly and freely, without risk of judgment. All of which is a huge boost to self-esteem. Signs You’ve Found Your Kindred SpiritBy now, you’ll likely have a clear idea of what these types of relationships are, and what they have to offer. But how can you tell if someone is your kindred spirit? Below are the common signs that will give you a good indication.1. The Instant Connection Is Like A SmileWhat do I mean, the connection is like a smile? With a kindred spirit, the connection has a quality of playfulness and lightness to it. In Buddhism, there’s a practice known as the inner smile. It involves visualizing a smile in your heart as you go about the world, to cultivate compassion and kindness. The instant connection with a kindred spirit feels similar. You may be compelled to literally smile as you suddenly realize: that this is my type of person.In contrast, while a soulmate meeting can be light, it covers a whole host of contexts, some of them more emotionally challenging; hence the warning of trauma bonding. 2. You Meet In Circumstances That Quickly Show Your SimilaritiesThere’s no slow burn with kindred spirits. No gradual reveal. It’s apparent, often immediately, that there is a shared connection, and life has its way of showing you this. For example, it could be that you’re in a situation where you feel slightly left out, or disconnected. Maybe you feel anxious in a new social situation, or you’re at a workshop and struggling with one of the exercises. Then along comes someone who, at a glance, understands what you’re going through, because they are too.Again, to contrast this, because soulmates are karmically intertwined, it’s common to initially feel repelled or triggered by their appearance. Usually, this is because what their energy, behavior, or viewpoint is showing you is a part of yourself you’ve rejected or denied, that has to be re-integrated through the soulmate relationship.3. Harmony Will Depend on Self-Awareness and Self-AcceptanceTo a much lesser extent than twin flames, kindred spirits are still intertwined with the spiritual dimension, which in its essence is designed for individual flourishing and growth. That does mean that it will require an element of self-awareness and self-acceptance to find harmony, even if the relationship is lighthearted. This is hidden in the concept of two people being too similar.Because kindred spirits are very similar, if they represent certain traits that “clash” with your own, it’ll cause a lack of harmony. For example, if you can both be stubborn, there’s a chance that stubbornness, at some point, will create a barrier to the relationship's flourishing. If you both use humor to lighten moments, even when inappropriate, you may experience your kindred spirit making a joke when you don’t feel like it. See the pattern?When exploring what behaviors you like or dislike with your kindred spirit, you’ll reveal what qualities you wish to cultivate or avoid within yourself. Keep in mind that no person is perfect, and no relationship is free from the usual challenges. Even a kindred spirit will occasionally annoy you or make mistakes.4. They Become a Sounding BoardNo matter how the relationship dynamic plays out, though, a kindred spirit will always be someone you can deeply trust. That means that they will likely become someone you can use as a sounding board, someone to share life’s struggles with or get a gut check when in a difficult situation. That doesn’t apply to all situations, but if you tune into your intuition, you’ll get a sense of the times when your kindred spirit will be the ideal person to talk to.It’s important to have diversity within social connections. Using people with different backgrounds and perspectives as a sounding board is always worthwhile, as long as you remain discerning. But the benefit of a kindred spirit is that they will have a deep understanding of your tendencies, and will be able to relate fully to your experience.As a result, they’ll become powerful allies on the path. Not only the spiritual path. But the path of learning to be fully human.KEEP READING Twin Flame Meaning: The Signs You’ve Found Your Spiritual Mirror
45 Moving Quotes about Community Service and Support
A community is more than just people sharing a space. It's a living, breathing network of connections and shared experiences. While it's usually defined as “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common,” genuine community runs deeper. Good Neighbors When searching for a new place to call home, we hope to stumble upon neighbors who can transform a neighborhood into something meaningful. We all need to be surrounded by people who genuinely care for the well-being of others. Only this type of people can create a community that is more than just a bunch of individuals living next to each other. Diversity It doesn’t matter how different we are. What matters in building a community is the desire to live in a peaceful and caring environment, despite all our differences. Building a strong community starts with individual contributions, no matter how small. As long as you are kind and willing to help others in need, you’ll be a great community member. In exchange, your community will give you a sense of belonging and the feeling that you are never alone. These 45 quotes capture the essence of what makes communities special — community building, service, engagement, involvement, and supportQuotes about community building We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join in community with the human race. CICERO It is not more bigness that should be our goal. We must attempt, rather, to bring people back to the warmth of community, to the worth of individual effort and responsibility, and of individuals working together as a community, to better their lives and their children’s future. ROBERT F. KENNEDY Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other. DAVID SPANGLER What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured. KURT VONNEGUT We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community. DOROTHY DAY The minute we become an integrated whole, we look through the same eyes and we see a whole different world together. AZIZAH AL-HIBRI This world of ours… must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Every person is defined by the communities she belongs to. ORSON SCOTT CARD Quotes about the community coming together One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn't as individuals. JEAN VANIER There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about. MARGARET J. WHEATLEY We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. HERMAN MELVILLE Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much. HELEN KELLER There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals. IDOWU KOYENIKAN Our generation has the ability and the responsibility to make our ever-more connected world a more hopeful, stable and peaceful place. NATALIE PORTMAN Quotes about community support In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it. MARIANNE WILLIAMSON The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. CORETTA SCOTT KING As you grow older you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others. AUDREY HEPBURN Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will all come back to you in abundance. This is the law of nature. STEVE MARABOLI The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden. JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together. JACQUELINE WOODSON One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone. SHANNON L. ALDER Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together. PAUL RYAN No man can become rich without himself enriching others. ANDREW CARNEGIE Quotes about community service, engagement, and involvement Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth. MUHAMMAD ALI Community service gives me a valuable opportunity to walk into a different community that is less familiar to me but just as colorful and most importantly, in need. CAROLINE LANDRY The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. MAHATMA GANDHI Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. GEORGE BERNARD SHAW Teaching kids how to feed themselves and how to live in a community responsibly is the center of an education. ALICE WATERS Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless. SHERRY ANDERSON Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. MARGARET MEAD (more Margaret Mead quotes) Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. LEO BUSCAGLIA The purpose of life is not to be happy, but to matter to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. LEO ROSTEN How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ANNE FRANK Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not. DR. SEUSS Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more. H. JACKSON BROWN JR. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. OSCAR WILDE An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. MARTIN LUTHER KING I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. MAYA ANGELOU Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. JOHN F. KENNEDY Quotes about community health The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital. MARK HYMAN For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other. MILLARD FULLER Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women. MICHELLE OBAMA When elected officials abandon our environment and ruin our natural resources, public health is endangered. I know the importance of providing a clean environment for our children. GWEN MOORE And I believe that the best buy in public health today must be a combination of regular physical exercise and a healthy diet. JULIE BISHOP These quotes remind us of the joy of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Rocky Balboa Motivational Speech to His Son
This motivational speech from Rocky Balboa to his son is a priceless scene from the movie Rocky Balboa (2006).Check out the "Rocky: Heavyweight Collection (Limited Edition)" on Amazon.
Stranger Pays $110 Bill After Man Forgets His Wallet
We've all been there: you’ve loaded up your shopping cart or ordered a service, only to reach for your wallet and realize that it’s not there. It can be an embarrassing and anxiety-inducing scenario, one that sets the tone for the day.A man faced a similar situation one day when he couldn’t remember his new PIN at a gas station. But when a stranger stepped in to help, he did more than save this man’s day.Did We Just Become Best Friends? Tyson Crawley / FacebookOne morning, a man named Tyson Crawley pulled up at a gas station. He filled his truck with diesel and topped up with petrol. Then he entered the station and ordered a couple of iced coffees. When he went to pay, things went sideways.Crawley had transferred all his money to a new bank account the night before and realized he didn’t have his new bank card on him. He tried to pay from a joint account but, for the life of him, could not remember the PIN.“After searching through my iPhone bank app to figure out how to reset my PIN I had failed,” Crawley recalled in a Facebook post. “My dog was barking wildly, I had to get to work, and I was starting to freak.”RELATED: Single Mom Gives Stranger $7 for Christmas – Then, He Leads Her to the Parking LotSurprise: A Stranger Had Him CoveredAs Crawley began panicking, a man who had purchased a coffee right before him and exited the store witnessed the ordeal. He came back inside.“Do you need some money?” he asked.Crawley said no, that he just couldn’t remember his code, and it was okay. The man said it was fine, and then walked around to the register. When Crawley realized what he was doing, he insisted it was okay; he had the money but just needed to figure out his PIN.“It’s a free country, isn’t it?” the stranger asked. “I can help a brother out, can’t I?”Crawley was stunned. The bill was $110, but eventually, he accepted the kind man’s help. He then passed him the receipt and asked him to write down his number so that he could contact him and pay him back immediately.RELATED: Stranger Gives Woman Advice About Her Toxic Relationship – Receives an Unexpected Email From Her 6 Years LaterFinal Twist: A Follow-Up RequestThe attendant, whom Crawley said was just as stunned as he was, passed the man a pen. The stranger wrote on it, folded it down, and handed it to Crawley. Crawley was so overwhelmed and grateful that he insisted they take a photo together. Then the man left. “I turned around to the attendant and she said, ‘Well that doesn’t happen every day,’” Crawley recalled. “I turned around to leave, and he was gone, literally gone. I went outside and could not see him anywhere.”It was then that Crawley opened the receipt to look at the number and he received another shock. Instead of a phone number, the man had written down his name along with three game-changing words.“John. Pass it on.” Tyson Crawley / FacebookPaying It ForwardCrawley wrapped his Facebook post with an important reminder.“Please be beautiful people, and remember it's not about keeping up with the joneses, having the biggest house, most expensive car, the largest bank account, but work with each other, after all, what is money compared to the quality of human life?” he wrote.Money comes and goes, but who we are as people and how we interact with one another is the essence of our being. Helping each other out when times are tough, even when we don’t know the person, is what makes us human, and what can make this life so beautiful.So the next time you’re in a position to pay it forward, why not? Go ahead and buy that coffee for the person behind you. Pay that parking meter that’s about to expire for a total stranger. Donate toys to a toy drive, leave a super generous tip, or give a secret gift.At the end of the day, it’s how we show up for each other and help one another out that matters. Everything else is just extra. <3
