2015 GOAL: SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS
It’s 2015! Out with the old, and in with the new, right?
After a rather tough year of events, from loss of icons to civil unrest and unyielding global misfortune in the news, sometimes it seems like our culture embraces a growing expectation in the normality of tragedy. I do not want to be a part of that expectation.
Let’s all be a part of positive change! My actions could help add moments of joy for others, and I believe those moments of joy could add up to something bigger, something greater!
It’s important to stop and think about how you treat people in everyday situations, even in the small moments.
- Am I kind?
- Am I encouraging?
- Am I providing the right kind of support?
- Am I seeing life beyond my reality?
- Am I promoting a better attitude towards those around me?
It’s difficult to always try and push such a positive agenda forwards – we’re human! We have ups, and we have downs, and we have moments where we just can’t see any further than our own issues. The best we can do is try, and often – the results provides enough of a euphoria internally, that our moods can change for the better too.
Here are my tips to being the kindness we all wish for in return:
Know Your Neighbor
In life, we will meet many people. All are significant. Everyone deserves attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello. Wave and say hello. Share if you have an abundance of something (like cookies).
Help! Even In The Rain
Never miss an opportunity to help someone, even if it is raining (perhaps: especially in the rain?). I once read a story about a young man who helped an older woman by giving her a ride after her car broke down in the rain. Because he stopped, she was able to make it to her dying husband’s bedside before he passed away.
Always Remember Those Who Serve
Whether it’s the waiter at a restaurant or your hairdresser, it’s important to say thank you. Most people in the service industry make minimum wage yet they work hard trying to befriend you, make you laugh, and overall make your experience the best it can be. Leaving a tip is a great way of saying thank you. (On the flip-side, here is an example of the reverse action – someone who provided food service giving a little peace to a person who needed it.)
Forgive And Forget – Nobody Is Perfect
Everyone makes mistakes. Usually the person who hurt you doesn’t realize what they’ve done or how much it hurt you. By forgiving someone, it allows you to be able to move forward and live peaceably and allows the person who harmed you to be human.
Be An Active Part of A Small Moment
Something as small as eye contact and a genuine smile actually can brighten a day. A few months ago, Ashe Wilson wrote us a blog post about an older man picking up dropped change to help her out, and make her smile. That post affected her, but also it touched me enough to think on it from time to time (like now).
Pay It Forward
Pick your head up and notice the world around you. Go out of your way to help someone with a door, or give an honest compliment. Buy the guy behind you a coffee, or pay someone else’s toll.
Let’s make this a year of kindness. We can be the change we wish to see, each of us, one small act at a time. You just never know who you may inspire, and when people are inspired, great things are accomplished.
What act of kindness has had the greatest impact on your life?
Theresa Galle
Account Manager