"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness." -- Marcus Annaeus Seneca
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"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness." -- Marcus Annaeus Seneca |
         
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Alive & Well ArchivesAugust 2001**************************************************** TODAY'S QUOTE: "Becoming generous, carrying someone else for a while, does amazing things for your self-esteem." -Barbara Sher **************************************************** TODAY'S TOPIC: Practicing Kindness
Have you ever noticed how good it feels when you practice random acts of kindness? When is the last time you made someone’s day?
Yesterday, I was driving down a busy road on my way to the gym. I was distracted and slightly stressed as I focused on some concerns. At a stoplight, I saw an older man crossing the street. He was wearing a walkman, and he was singing and dancing. Here I was in downtown Denver, and this man was dancing across the road! He looked so happy and silly that I burst out laughing! All of a sudden, I was laughing rather than focusing on my worries.
The man didn’t know he made my day. But I imagine he would've been pleased to know he made me switch from stress to laughter. He provided a ray of sunshine.
This experience made me think about how easy it is to make someone’s day and how good it feels to practice random acts of kindness. I really enjoy making someone’s day. I don’t do it by dancing down the street (if only I were that uninhibited!). However, I try to make people’s day by doing something special or by doing something they don’t expect. For example, I went out to dinner with a friend one night. He was having girlfriend problems, and he'd had a long and stressful day at work. So the next day, I sent him a silly card telling him to have a great day. I mailed it to his office, so he would have a quick smile at work.
Did I make his day? To be honest, I have no idea; I didn’t ask him. But it made my day to do it. I felt good knowing he might smile when he got the card. I felt great knowing the card may give him a quick break in an otherwise stressful and tiring day. You see, sometimes making someone’s day can make *your* day. Often, random acts of kindness towards others can do more for you than the other person. I always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I go out of my way to be kind. I like and appreciate myself even more when I show someone else I care, love and appreciate him/her.
Sometimes you need to practice random acts of kindness toward yourself too. How often are you really kind to yourself? What can you do to treat yourself well? Maybe you can give yourself a massage. I’ve written letters to myself reminding me to take care of myself and to appreciate myself. I enjoy receiving these in the mail, and they have sometimes made me cry. Yes, sometimes it’s even more important to treat ourselves with kindness.
What can you do to make someone's day? What can you do for yourself too? ***************************************************** Coaching Challenge ***************************************************** Once a week for the next few weeks, do something kind for someone. If you see a store clerk having a bad day, smile at him and tell him to have a great day. Send your parent or friend a card for no reason at all. You could even put a card in your mailbox thanking your mailperson. Take your spouse on a surprise picnic or do something else creative. Pay attention to how you feel when you’re being kind to someone. Does it make your day too?
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