I have had the honor to meet many outstanding beings via the Internet, especially via reading and interacting on blogs. Had I known there was so much support, love, and kindness in blog world I would have joined much sooner. One of the kind souls I'm introducing you to today is finding her bliss by spreading kindness to others. She keeps her identity anonymous(which I love) and she even has affiliate agents joining in on the goodness! She goes by the name Secret Agent L and let me tell you each time I visit her blog I leave smiling. I recently interviewed Secret Agent L for and just could not pass up the opportunity to share her with our podcast listeners. If you've had doubts that kindness does not exist or you've feared doing kind acts out being rejected maybe you can take a page from Secret Agent L's book.
* How did you come up with the idea to begin the Secret Agent L blog?
I have a blogger friend from Texas who had a birthday over the summer. I wanted to send her a little birthday package in honor of her birthday. When I emailed her to ask for her mailing address and to let her know what I wanted to do, she suggested I just do some random act of kindness on her behalf instead. And then she said, "You could call yourself Secret Agent L: Girl Spy and All-Around Swell Chick." Well, needless to say, it stuck. And that's when I decided I would become a secret agent who specialized in anonymous acts of kindness.
*How often do you conduct acts of kindness?
I try to do "missions" at least a couple of times a week, whether it's just leaving little inspirational notes in random places or specific gifts in specific places. My Affiliated Agents (other people around the world interested and participating in their own anyonymous acts of kindness) also try to do missions whenever they can, and then they email me the specifics, which I then post on the site.
* What is the feeling you receive in doing your acts of kindness?
Most of the time I feel really good--like I'm bringing joy to people in a world that so desperately needs it. But sometimes I feel nervous, like someone will find my gift and think to him/herself, "What am I supposed to do with this?" I have to remember that not everyone feels the same way I do about these things.
*how do you deal with doubt or fear if they arise?
I just power through it. I remind myself that I'm doing something from a place of love and kindness: my heart. I remind myself that someone out there--at least one person--is going to really appreciate these acts of kindness. I try to put myself in the shoes of someone else who is struggling, feeling alone, feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, sad, etc. Life is extremely difficult and messy. If I can bring one moment of peace and joy and connectedness, then I've done something good.
* With the world in such an economic slump do you feel we can afford to NOT do these acts of kindness?
As I've said, life is hard and full of struggles. For me to give up a special drink from Starbucks so I can use the money to buy a little pick-me-up for someone else seems such a small, small price to pay for what can potentially (and hopefully) be a significant moment for the recipient.
I came across a quote once that said, "We look forward to the time when the power of love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace." I think that goes for our world's current economic situation: when we start working with each other, instead of for power, our world might just turn itself around for the better.
* What does joy mean to you?
Stability, connectedness, vulnerability, committment, and trust
* Can you list three of your favorite drops thus far?
1. Making a CD for someone and leaving it outside of an apartment building was really fun. I know I'd be totally stoked if I found that CD!
2. This month's Breast Cancer Awareness missions: particularly the one I did at the Hillman Cancer Center here in Pittsburgh, which is where I go for my appointments with my oncologist and for my mammograms.
3. This past weekend Affiliated Agent V and I did a MAJOR mission at Allegheny General Hospital here in Pittsburgh. I haven't posted it yet, but I'll do so soon. It was a busy day! And it felt so good to leave little treats at a place like a hospital where people--patients and works alike--need positive things.
*In what way(s) does positive thinking guide your daily living?
Some days it's really hard to think positive, I have to confess. Especially after the recent sudden and tragic loss I just experienced. But I try to remember that there is so much good in the world, that there are people who love and care and want nothing more than to share that with those they encounter. And so I try to continue to be that kind of example for others. Even when it's hard or it hurts, as it does so very much for me right now.
* You have affiliates who have joined in and are spreading goodness in other states. For those interested how do they become an affiliate of Secret Agent L?
Just drop me an email and I'll hook you up with everything you need.
* Do you have any advice for others who want to do kind acts, but are hesitant?
Just imagine how amazing it would feel if you stumbled onto something left by someone who just wanted to brighten your day. That usually helps.
* What's next for Secret Agent L and for the mission of your blog?
My Number Two (Affiliated Agent V) and I have a meeting coming up with someone here in Pittsburgh who works for a very large non-profit, and it's our hope that this individual will help us map out a strategy to make Secret Agent L even bigger than it already is.
Secret Agent L, I thank you for allowing me this time. I thank you for being the kind soul that you are. I thank you for spreading kindness in a time when it is MOST needed. It is an honor and a blessing to know you!
