The signs are clear when I've had enough vacation. The day's adventure feels more like work than play, the intriguing restaurant holds no appealing offerings, and the normal antics of children (or their parents) no longer make me smile. That was my state as we boarded the tired-children-filled plane in Orlando.

We had just spent ten magical days as an extended family at Walt Disney World, including our one-year old granddaughter. But despite that joyful family experience, my signs of vacation-overload were emerging.

As I settled into my seat behind a row of text-messaging siblings, I noticed my growing irritation that the one in front of me had his seat back into my already cramped leg room, and the group was loudly laughing and carrying on. The four hour trip was going to be extra long, I muttered to my husband.

By the time the plane took off, I was braced for the return of the young man's seatback in "my area" and the continuation of rowdy teenager behavior. But I couldn't have been more wrong.

When the young man started to adjust his seat in my direction, his older brother reminded him that because someone was seated behind him, it wasn't polite to do that. "Wow," I thought, "What a small kindness to practice and to teach your children." I was impressed as the two brothers and sister quietly listened to their iPods and read the entire flight.

I'll admit I misjudged them. That was further evidenced while disembarking in Denver. The young man in front of me quickly stood to aid a passenger struggling to retrieve her bag from the overhead bin, and the group patiently facilitated an orderly queuing-off as families with car seats and toddlers struggled to gather their belongings.

Taught to notice the little things that impact others, these siblings automatically extended a considerate approach, helping hands, and thoughtful behavior. They were a good reminder to evaluate my own actions. How often do I forget to hold the door, say thank you to a kindness, or offer assistance? How often does navel-gazing blind me to others' needs? Or, how often am I the cause of another's frustration because I'm inattentive to how my actions are affecting them?

I've decided I need to be more aware of my little things. In the scheme of things, recognizing and doing small things won't change the world. But it will improve it. My mood was "saved" that day by one small act of kindness. Life is busy, hard, challenging and complicated enough. Recognizing the power of the little things we can do to help another get through their day with more ease and grace, seems like a good idea to me.

(c) 2008 Nan S. Russell.  All Rights Reserved.

Nan S. Russell is the author of "Hitting Your Stride: Your Work, Your Way."

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