“The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.” – Mark Twain
Boom! Screech! Bang! AHHHHHHHHHH!
It’s another hectic Monday morning. It’s not even 8:00 a.m. and you’ve already managed to spill coffee on yourself, burn your hand on the stovetop and misplace your house keys. The day is off to a horrible start. You are officially in a bad mood.
As you leave the house, you’re tempted to stamp a “Don’t Mess with Me” sign on your forehead. But, fortunately, your body language already says enough. Your quick pace, furrowed brows and pursed lips give you an edge – people scatter quicker than Moses was able to part the Red Sea.
But you barely take notice. You are fully absorbed in your own world. Your own problems.
When someone offers a helping hand, take it…then pay it forward! Photo by give me on stock.xchng
And, as a result, you have completely missed the good deeds around you. You missed the opportunity to change your crummy morning into a good day because you were too preoccupied to notice the world around you. You ignored the morning wave and smile from your elderly neighbor, you shrugged off the little girl on the subway who pulled your sleeve in an attempt to hand you a flower and you barely noticed the gentleman who so kindly held the elevator door for you.
You were so consumed with yourself that you didn’t have the chance to appreciate all of the good that was unfolding before your very own eyes.
You aren’t the first. Nor will you be the last. In fact, it happens far too often in today’s fast-paced, get-up and go lifestyle. We all become so caught up in our lives that we forget to stop for a moment and think about something besides ourselves.
But what if we all tried a little harder to worry less about our own problems? What if we each tried to do one act of random kindness per day? While it’s not a novel idea, it is something that deserves more attention.
If we each vowed to do one kind deed a day, would the world drastically change? Perhaps not. But I have no doubt that YOU would become a better person as a result and those around you just might as well.
PAY IT FORWARD.
The key for lasting success is all about paying it forward. When one person does something kind for you, always make a concerted effort to do good yourself. It’s not rocket science. You don’t need to spend money or go out of your way to volunteer at a homeless shelter. It’s as easy as giving up your seat on the bus or greeting a stranger with a smile.
You can do it. You can make a difference today.
- Give someone a sincere compliment
- Leave a little extra tip for the waiter
- Buy the person in line behind you a coffee
- Open the door for someone else
- Write a thank you letter
- Tell someone you love them
- Start a conversation with someone you don’t know
- Lend a helping hand
- Volunteer your time
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, a smile and a compassionate heart can go a long way.
So, whether you’re a stress-out workaholic, an on-the-go traveler or a busy college student, take time to look at the world around you. While your problems appear catastrophic, realize that there will always be someone in the world going through something much more difficult. Take a moment to step back.
Breathe. Smile. Laugh.
Life isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. So do what you can to make someone else’s day a little brighter. You might just find that the circle of giving comes right back to you. And, the secret to your own happiness just might begin by helping someone else.
The world won’t change overnight. But one day at a time we can all make a difference. And, one day, we just might be part of something greater; something better.
Challenge yourself. Don’t wait. Do it now, do it today. Make it your goal to perform one random act of kindness. We’re counting on YOU to take the first step.
We’ll even help you with your first act: just click one of the buttons below and share this article with others. Let’s start this movement together! Your good deed won’t go unrecognized…we’ll be sure to pay it forward ourselves!
Because one day, we all just might witness the following:
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