Ep 7: Mary Latham of More Good Today

Take one look at your news feed or walk past a TV anywhere with the news on and instantly you’re flooded with all the horrible things going on in your city, your neighborhood, and the world around you.

My guest today was watching updates on the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting live the day that horrific tragedy unfolded. The flood of fear, horror, pain, and sadness she felt was like many of us witnessing a heart shattering event take place. At the same time this tragedy was happening, a co-worker of hers was beaming over a free coffee he was unexpectedly treated to while in line at Starbucks. 

Mary Latham didn’t know then, but that day became the beginning of an incredible story she came to share with us today about her journey across 50 states that took over 3 years searching for stories of kindness.

Kindness of Strangers

There is something magical and almost healing about kindness from a stranger for no apparent reason. Mary traveled all 50 states to hear stories of kindness. In her journey she not only heard stories of kindness, she also experienced the kindness of strangers welcoming her into their homes. Showing a stranger kindness can have an immeasurable effect on someone. 

When you stand still in the moments of life, waiting in line to order a coffee at Starbucks or pump your gas across from someone else also pumping gas, you realize we are all people dealing with something. Someone received news of a loved one’s terminal illness, someone lost a job, or is stuck in a painfully toxic relationship. It’s so easy to see when that person is us, but it’s also clear that others are as good at hiding behind a fake smile as we are.

Healthy Social Connection 

While we live in times when in person’s social interactions feel obsolete, it’s critical to remember that we are social beings first and foremost. Nature designed and hardwired us at a cellular level for connection. Connecting with people over kind deeds has a 10x effect on the doer and the receiver of kindness.

Mary shares how meaningful her journey was due to the connections she made along the way. From examples of her mother’s kindness towards a UPS driver and a Jehovah’s Witness that she didn’t even share the same beliefs with, we see how significant time, however brief, with another person can be. Mary’s trips to the dump to interact with the gentleman there changed her mood and gave both of them energy to get through the day.

Acts of Kindness in Any Size

The best part about the impact kindness can have on a person is that it doesn’t matter how big and grand or super tiny a kindness is, the benefits are equally rewarding. Mary shares two examples of kindness, one big act and a smaller act that will both live on in the memories of the people involved for years to come, if not a lifetime.

Vulnerability & Healing

As Mary shares her in journey, there is an element of vulnerability that kindness requires. The many people that she connected with had to become vulnerable with her to share their stories. Mary had to be vulnerable to be open to strangers opening their doors, their hearts, and their stories with her so that she could receive. So many of us run from vulnerability, because asking for help and insinuating a need on any level is in itself vulnerable.

The cool thing is that vulnerability opens the door to new experiences and for Mary it led to a journey of healing from the loss of her mother and honoring her mother’s memory. I am looking forward to the book she’ll release as a result of this experience, as I believe it will be a healing to everyone that reads it.

Connect with Mary Latham:

Website

Instagram

P.S. Want to dive deeper into your personal Emotional Expedition? Join me and an intimate group for an 8 week LIVE virtual book study of Brené Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart. This book will be our roadmap to understanding ourselves & others better, learning the language to better express ourselves & ask for what we need, and coming together in community & connection. For more information: Atlas of the Heart Book Study