What Gifts Of Kindness Are You Saying No To?

I had an experience a few weeks ago when returning to my building after my morning walk that I have not been able to get out of my head. As I approached the double door entrance, I noticed a woman walking a few paces behind me, balancing what looked like two cups of coffee and an order of oatmeal. I took a step back to open the first door for her, and as I moved to do the same for the second entryway door, the woman stepped to the side, opening the far door for herself.  

"That's strange," I thought.  

As we entered the elevator, I asked, "What floor?' She replied, "I've got it," and I watched her push the button for her floor, barely managing to balance the hot cups of food and liquid; and it made me think, What stops people from accepting gifts of kindness?

Are they afraid they will now be obligated to return the favor and don't want to make that commitment? Are they suspicious, thinking this person must be up to something because why would this stranger possibly want to do something nice? Or do they feel underserving or like they need to prove that I do not need anyone's help?  

Whatever the answer, it made me want to look at what kindnesses I have been saying no to and how those subtle no's might be impacting the more considerable gifts I am hoping to attract into my life. Because when we say no to the small gifts, we send a message to the universe that says, thanks, but I don't need your help. So how can we possibly expect the universe to show up in more significant ways and believe that we will say yes?  

So today, I invite you to notice the small gifts and acts of kindness all around you. The blooming flower, the smile on your barista's face, the stranger that holds the door, and notice how you respond. Do you push it away, or do you say yes, thank you, and invite them in?