The Karmic Wheel Keeps Turning
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 01:45AM Bear with me as I try to make a long story short because it actually has a point. And that point is about Karma and the funny way in which Karma works.
Right after high school, I got this job working in an upscale boutique as a stock girl. I didn’t make much, but it was a job. I lived paycheck to paycheck in the most literal way. Payday was every Friday and by Thursday, I was counting my pennies to pay for bus fare.
My best friend was about to move and I really wanted to get her something. I found this travel diary that was simply perfect. Overpriced and completely frivolous, but perfect. I debated for weeks on whether or not to spend the money and get her this gift.
Finally on D-day, I decided to get it for her despite how it would set me back considering it was nine bucks, which was A LOT to me back then. So, during my 15 minute break at work, I ran over to the shop, bought it and ran back to work. That night I wrapped it and gave it to her with tears as she left.
The next morning, I opened my wallet and found a surprise. I had more money than I should have had. Turns out the cashier gave me the wrong change for the travel diary. They rang me up as if I gave them a 20 dollar bill instead of a 10 dollar bill. So in essence, I got the gift for my friend for free and even gained a buck in the process. I was on cloud nine. I wasn’t broke for the rest of the week!
So at work, I was telling my co-workers about this amazing twist in fate when my manager got all upset and told me, “You need to give that money back! You can’t keep it! IT’S JUST BAD KARMA!”
This, said by the manager who made five times as much as me. This, said by the manager who was enjoying her frappucino and raspberry scone that cost more than the gift I bought. This, said by the manager who never counted pennies in her life.
At first I was heartbroken, but then I stood my ground and said, “But how do YOU know it wasn’t good Karma coming back to me for doing a good deed and something meaningful from my heart?”
And I still believe that to this day. After painfully struggling over a decision and making the one that meant more to my friend than me, I felt as if I was being rewarded for being nice. For being thoughtless. For letting go and having faith that goodness brings goodness.
I thought about that today.
I woke up at 6:00 this morning on a rainy and miserable day and met fellow Philly bloggers of Bossy, Fever & Dream Kitchen to do something good. We participated in Philadelphia Care’s Volunteer-A-Thon. We spent our Saturday morning painting an elementary school hallway with a bunch of other folks, from all walks of life and all ages. It was great! It was fun! And it was exhausting!
Man did it feel good! It made you glow from inside just seeing so many people willing to help and knowing you are a part of this huge project that was born out of goodness.
When I got home and finished cleaning my house, food shopping and all the other shit I still had to do {my poor hubby is battling a wicked bug}, I checked my email. The first message I saw was from Suburban Turmoil. The subject was “Congratulations!”
Turns out I won her Hasbro games give-a-way. I won TWO games which I just know my daughter will flip over and love.
THANK YOU! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
WhoooOOOOoooOOOOoOOO HoooOOOOooooOOOO!
Let me tell you, I never win anything! NEVER. (honestly, my husband actually calls me the cooler) And yet for the first time in forever, today I won something. Now you tell me…
And the bonus? My ugly old beat up hiking boots are now a lovely shade of robin’s egg blue, thanks to all the paint I managed to spill on them.
Philadelphia Cares, Philanthropy, karma, volunteer in Yadda, Yadda, Yadda
Reader Comments (6)
What a great story on a rainy Sunday morning. Thanks! I love it when goodness begets goodness.
Sounds like you all had a very fun time! I love it when we all work together to accomplish something. It is so much more fun when there are many hands. I think you were right to keep the money. Karma has a way about setting everything straight. It was a very nice gift you gave your friend and she probably thinks of you each time she sees it. I know my daughter has spent too much for gifts for me, and I do love them and do think of her when I use them.
It is pretty sure you racked up some great Karma from painting a school hallway and you know it, too. I love blue hiking boots. You don't lose them in the fall foliage when they are blue like that. :)
It was great to see you, and I'm glad we were a part of that together!
See you very soon!
Congrats! Bossy loves Suburban Turmoil, what a cutie, and sweeter in person.
I truly believe that what you put out there is exactly what you get back. keep giving with a pure heart and you will always have what you need!!!!
so simple, kindness brings kindness;))