After experiencing a couple of neglectful mishaps recently, I’ve discovered that the idiom “honesty is the best policy” still does reign true, even in a struggling economy.

I was shopping at a retail store over the holiday and had around $50 in cash in my purse. After making several stops at different stores, I realized that the cash was missing. On a whim, I returned to the first store and was ecstatic when I learned that an employee had found the money on the floor and turned it in for me.

In a second incident two weeks later, I was getting something out of my vehicle in the Kilby School parking lot when I accidentally left my purse on top of the car. It wasn’t until almost two hours later that I realized my purse was missing. I was extremely fortunate, though, to find that someone turned in my purse and the belongings inside to the Kilby office.

Both of these occurrences in which I was not paying attention demonstrated several things to me. Sometimes, we’re so preoccupied with our packed schedules and future destinations that we forget to open our eyes to what is directly in front of us.

What means the most to me is that at least two people made the moral decision to turn in my lost money and purse, even though they could have easily kept those things for themselves.

It’s easy to grow bitter and cynical about others after hearing ugly remarks people make or when someone acts in a malicious, cruel way toward someone for no reason.

But when human beings exhibit small kindnesses like these, I am always pleasantly taken aback by their thoughtful gestures and I come to realize how compassionate, considerate behavior can be infectious.

I’m sometimes guilty of getting so lost in my schedule that I forget to really take note of what’s going on around me, but these two recent events have altered my view of things considerably.

I am challenging myself this semester to have an increased awareness of what small kindnesses can do for other people. It’s about truly listening to people when they speak, showing sincere concern, giving thanks when needed, offering assistance and more.

This year, I’m taking small steps to have the mindset of Japanese Buddhist Dr. Mikao Usui, who developed a spiritual practice called Reiki in 1922.

“Just for today, I will let go of anger,” he said. “Just for today, I will let go of worry. Today, I will count my many blessings. Today, I will do my work honestly. Today, I will be kind to every living creature.”