When I was a kid, my heart ached with sadness every time we passed a car broken down on the side of the road, especially when it was hot outside. I made myself a promise: “When I’m bigger, if I ever see a driver stranded, I’ll stop and help them push their car to the shoulder.” I’m proud to say I lived up to that promise! One summer afternoon when I was in high school, I passed through an intersection partially blocked by a car that had broken down at the stoplight. Cellphones weren’t commonplace yet, and the woman seemed at a loss for what to do. I quickly pulled into the nearest gas station parking lot, hopped out of my car, and walked over to her. WAYS TO BE KIND Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day
At first, she looked nervous, but I smiled and said, “I’m here to help! Why don’t you put your car in neutral, and I’ll push it into the gas station?”
There are hundreds of free ways to perform an act of kindness: Write someone a note, recommend them a book, or let them cut in line at the grocery store. You can even do one of my favorite acts of kindness when you renew your driver’s license: Agree to become an organ donor. Your simple “yes” could save a life! For more kindness inspiration, check out Reader’s Digest’s list of “110 Random Acts of Kindness to Make the World a Nicer Place” at RD.com/article/free-random-acts-of-kindness. – Michael Packard
Immense gratitude spread over her face. “Thank you!” she said. A few sweaty minutes later, she was off the road and in a much better spot to get mechanical assistance. That small act of kindness was over quickly, but it impacted that woman’s day greatly, and I drove off feeling more fulfilled. I still smile every time I think about it! I’m sharing this story because February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and I hope you’ll take the opportunity to make a small, positive impact on someone’s life. It doesn’t have to be as physically challenging as moving a car or as expensive as paying for someone’s grocery bill. A gesture as simple as a smile or kind word can go a long way, especially if you share it with someone feeling lonely or sad.
Curried Steak With Scallion Rice and Peas Inspired by MarthaStewart.com
TAKE A BREAK
Ingredients
Directions
• 1 lb flank
1. Season steak with salt and pepper. Brush with 1 tbsp curry paste, and let stand 10 minutes. 2. In a saucepan, combine rice, 1 3/4 cups water, 1 tbsp oil, and 3/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then stir, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 15 minutes before adding white and light-green scallions. Cover to steam. 3. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium- high heat. Swirl in 1 tbsp oil. Add the steak, flipping once; cook this for 7–9 minutes, then transfer to a carving board. 4. Reduce the skillet to medium heat, then add 1 tbsp oil and the remaining 2 tbsp curry paste. Cook this for 1 minute. Add 3/4 cup water and cook until reduced, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl and cover. 5. Wipe skillet clean, then add remaining 1 tbsp oil. While stirring, add snap peas. Season with salt and cook this until crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes. 6. Fluff rice before stirring in scallion tops. Slice steak against the grain, then serve with rice, peas, and curry sauce.
steak, room temperature • Kosher salt and ground pepper • 3 tbsp massaman curry paste, divided • 1 1/4 cups white rice • 2 1/2 cups water, divided • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and light- green parts separated from dark-green tops • 8 oz sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved on the bias
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