The Secret Bathroom Code
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop
Last week my husband and I boarded the train to the Santa Fe Depot in San Diego, on our way to Bus 215 to take us to Balboa Park. It's a beautiful train ride along the coastline and we were excited for the day ahead to visit the Natural History Museum.
We had just enough time at the Depot after the 1 hour ride, to visit the restrooms before walking down the block to the bus stop. All was well....until I discovered a newly installed keypad on the locked door to the ladies room. Small moment of panic😲. I know you know that feeling!
Ok. No problem, I thought. I walked over to the Amtrak counter and politely asked the agent for the code.
"It's only for Amtrak customers," she said with no hint of a smile. Another woman came up to the counter with the same question. She got the same answer. And same grouchy look. (By now you may be thinking....when does this get kind?)
Fortunately, it wasn’t a desperate situation. I had just thought, well, there’s a bathroom here, I might as well make a stop. Who knows when the next opportunity might be available. Believe me, as you get older, you’ll understand the wisdom of those thoughts!
As a side note, the men’s room had a keypad, too, but it wasn’t locked. There is no justice in this world😡.
My husband and I left the Depot and wandered over to the bus stop. I lost track of the other woman.
A couple of minutes later I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, it was the same woman. "It's 4806," she said. I must have looked puzzled. She repeated, "The code is 4806."
Wow. She took the time to find me. Then, as she turned to walk away she said, "Hope that helps. Have a great day!"
Sometimes Kindness comes in the smallest and least expected of ways🎁.
So now you know the secret code, too. It’s a ripple of kindness. If you ever land at the Santa Fe Depot, the code is 4806!
For you guys, I hope the men’s bathroom is still unlocked.
Research shows that when one person does an act of kindness, no matter how small, it benefits the giver, the receiver, and others who witness the act of kindness. Maybe it’s a bathroom key code. Maybe it’s a smile😀. Maybe it’s just asking, “How’s your day going today?” Just make small acts of kindness part of your day, every day. 💜
Birthday Greetings: Get a little TLC on your special day! Let me know your birthday and I’ll email you a card to celebrate your happy day. You can simply reply to this email or send me a note at kindnessmagnet@substack.com.
May your week be filled with kindness. 💜
PS - Visit the Kindness Magnet Library for a collection of all the articles.
Who do you know who would enjoy starting each week with kindness? I hope you will share Kindness Magnet with them.
Ahhh. This is such a perfect example of how small kindnesses make a big difference. Thanks for revealing the code, too. Remember, the senior travelers' creed, Heather: "Never stand if you can sit. Never sit if you can lie down. And never pass up the chance to use the toilet." Just saying.
I love your gentle kindness reminders. 🙏