Wednesday, April 16, 2014

RAK at the Beach

Today I spent 2 hours wandering up and down a small beach area practicing random acts of kindness.  I picked up three bags of trash (no litter laws and people seem to think it is okay to just get up and leave their garbage behind).  Smiled and said good morning to everyone I met (something unheard of in this culture for the most part).  And gave money to a couple of street cleaners (they work long hours for little pay).  My reward was joy in doing something nice without expecting in return.  Plus, I got a healthy dose of Vitamin D, fresh air for mental clarity and the sound of lapping waves to soothe the soul.  


 I also found two heart rocks.  One embedded in the sand and one that I brought home.  I'm always on the lookout for them but never have any success.  Perhaps it was a sign.

Of life's two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer's hand.


Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday,

25 comments:

Acorn to Oak said...

This is a beautiful post...in words, photos and feeling. I love those quotes. That's always so weird to me to see people leave their trash. I don't understand that thinking...or lack of. It sounds like you got a lot more back from your day than you gave....a cleaner beach, surprised and gifted people, the vitamin D and exercise, and the amazing feeling you must have gotten from it all...something money can't buy. Oh, and those really cool heart rocks! :-D

kathyinozarks said...

sounds like an awesome day-I love heart rocks-we have quite a few of them here in my woods

Gracey is not my name.... said...

Soothing pictures...last time I was on a beach, it was freezing in Rhode Island. My friend found a big heart rock, I had never looked for them before..

Pam said...

The beach looks so peaceful. I'm sure that those heart rocks were a sign that your acts of kindness were appreciated! So often simple acts make a difference in other's lives but especially our own life.
Some of my favorite memories of teaching are the volunteer projects my students organized. I remember one boy that was so proud of the "great job" he did cleaning the toilet in an apartment that was to be used to provide housing for a homeless family. I'm sure he wasn't too excited about cleaning the toilet at home but it was so different when he realized he was making a difference in the life of a homeless family. Tammy you have such a caring soul.

Teresa Kasner said...

Again you inspire me to be a better person. I'm so impressed with your RAKs! We're heading to the beach next week and I will give your ideas a try. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

crafty cat corner said...

I know exactly what you mean Tammy. Next door we have a man living on his own in a large house. He suffers from mental problems but we have know him since he was a tot and he is now 50. He recently lost his father and is living quite basically. All around the property (it is on a corner ) is a privet hedge that is overgrown and we asked him if he would like us to cut it for him, of course he said that he would be grateful and so this morning we made a start. There is no motive, just a wanting to help this man who is very confused with life.
Briony
x

Marilyn said...

You live the way we should all live. You do what's right and you do it always, and all ways. Your rewards come in little heart shaped rocks, or knowing someone can maybe buy themselves a little treat, because you were generous or a cat will eat today. No, you're not perfect, but you sure are close to it!!!! :) ♥

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Isn't that beyond our upbringing to NOT greet those that clean the streets? In India or in Indonesia the higher ranking group would never bother to greet those that sweep. We both always did and telling you the truth, we received the BIGGEST smiles from those people and that will stay forever in our hearts with us. Nobody is less than the other and for sure nobody is higher!
You did well and it is rewarding and calming to spent time that way.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Wanda said...

That would be a perfect day. I'm sure our Heavenly Father was smiling down, even it no one else knew what was in your heart. I love the ocean, and miss not living close to it. I have "Nature Tapes of Ocean waves and Sea Gulls" to help with that graving of my soul to hear the water. Loved all the pictures and the quotes. Love the one of you in the shadow...lovely.

Betsy said...

What a blessing you are to the people around you Tammy. Picking up other peoples trash is very nice of you, but smiling and greeting everyone you meet is a gift beyond measure to the people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Love your heart rocks and all of your quotes.
Blessings,
Betsy

Lori ann said...

i think those hearts found you tammy :) love your beautiful day.

Terra said...

What an awesome way to spend your day, and God rewarded you with smiles inside, and with a rock heart to take home.

Sam I Am...... said...

I think you an angel sent down here as an example to the rest of us! I'm taking heed! What a joyous day you had and everyone you met too, I bet, just from receiving your gifts and smiles and loving presence. I too take the hearts as affirmation.

Jennifer Hays said...

What a wonderful way to commit RAK's. You are helpful and kind.

homemade@myplace said...

Great idea!!!! your simple act of kindness made your day!!!! Inspirational!!!
xxxxxxx Ale

Dagmar said...

Your quotes are amazing and continue looking for those heart shaped rocks, I can not believe how many things we like in common! Xo

Diane said...

That's so nice, Tammy. I'm glad you kept the heart rock to remind you of this day. Diane

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Hi Tammy, It always annoys me when people dump their trash wherever they go. It happens a lot here. I guess the heart stone find was a thank you for picking up some trash. Have a lovely week. Julia

Catherine said...

Those were some lovely acts of kindness you did Tammy! Fantastic!!
Wishing you a most wonderful Easter weekend!
xo Catherine

Sheila Rumney said...

What beautiful acts of kindness. Seeing your beautiful pictures makes me long for the ocean again. Have a great weekend.

Susan said...

This was a thoughtful and meaningful post, Tammy. You have found the essence of a simple and beautiful life.

Many of us are given such priceless treasures but never even stop long enough to appreciate them. Thanks for the reminder. Susan

Mary said...

Sweet Tammy, your rewards for your RAK's were the hearts of stone which I know you will keep warm and safe, and perhaps even make more beautiful!

I love this post and hearing of your special day by the sea - your greetings and smiles were small gifts which cost nothing more than a gracious and loving heart. We should follow your example and share more of ourselves this way, perhaps the sadness of others, and lack of respect by some of us who think ourselves better, would improve and make the world a much better place. As you already know, we here in America are a friendly bunch, smiling and acknowledging strangers comes naturally - but I have noticed in many other countries this it not always so.

I waved to the trash collectors this morning, grateful that they come by weekly and do a good job keeping our lovely city clean - it's such a shame that litter laws are not upheld over there - besides creating ugliness it's also unhealthy. Your beach cleaning was definitely worthwhile, even preventing much trash floating off into the ocean…….now if only others would follow and help too!

Great quotes - I love them all.
Take care dear - you are a good person.
Love, Mary x

Mosaic Magpie said...

Lovely post made me feel the peacefulness of the beach. I too look for heart rocks, they are hard to find. xo

besomom said...

What a lovely post. The beach feeds my soul, and I can't imagine it strewn with trash. You make the world brighter, one day at a time!

Mereknits said...

You are so lovely,walking on the beach,picking up litter to make it nicer for everyone. I do the same thing on my walks with Max, I pick up bottles and cans and bring them home to recycle. Love your sea glass.
Meredith

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