The Power of Nice and a cold winter night

This has been a thrilling week for Robin and me with the release of the book and all the excitement surrounding it. We want to thank everyone for all their support and their kind words. To see your comments on our site and all the emails we have received gives us the encouragement and hope that the “nice movement” has begun! Let’s all keep spreading the message because it’s time NICE gets its due!

I did want to share one email in particular that I received recently which really moved me. It is the perfect example of how we never know what the effects will be of the positive imprints we put out there in the world. We hope it inspires you as much as it inspired us. Thank you Nancy for sharing your touching story with us.

Hi Linda,

I am reading The Power of Nice, and loving it. David Ogilvy said you know something is great when you read it and wish you wrote it. That is really how I feel. Since much of my time these days is spent “thinking ” about starting to write, I am in awe of you for putting out a book let alone one with such a wonderful message.
I wanted to share a story with you that I thought you would appreciate. Please don’t think I am telling you this so that you will think what a nice person I think I am...It is just a really sweet story that I thought you’d like.

About 14 years ago I was dating with the intention of getting married. I was tired of being single and I wanted to start a family. Not long after this I was dating (my husband Len) and we were out on our second or third date and we were going to the movies on Broadway. I saw a homeless woman looking very cold. I asked her to wait and I got her a coat, a handbag (with money inside) and some food. I told my husband every woman deserves to carry a bag with money in it, and a good coat and something in her belly.

I did not do this to impress- I did this because this is how I live my life. What came back to me is that this wonderful man decided that day to marry me. He always said that the kindness in that moment was something he knew he wanted to connect to and have his children share in as well. How much do I owe that lady (and G–d for the opportunity). The Talmud says rush to do a Mitzvah take every opportunity; it should never be put off. The reward is always in the doing, and sometimes you get your prayers answered at the same time.

Shana Tova,
Nancy Jacobs