Kindness is a Gift...
Kindness gives birth to kindness. -- Sophocles Oh, the days when you couldn't wait for your birthday to arrive. Party! Presents! All for you! Now that you're a little older and so much wiser, you know it's the thought that counts. And thinking of others makes you feel downright joyful nowadays. So on your special day, make yourself extra happy. Do something genuinely kind for someone else.
Just for starters, here are easy things you can do on your birthday (or any day) that will make you an all-round happier person.
Many Happy Returns
You really have a gift for giving.
- Make someone's day by paying this person a sincere compliment. Do it face-to-face or leave your good words on voice mail for a pleasant surprise. Now you've made someone else's day special.
- Is a friend or family member coping with a hardship? Is someone at work completely stressed out? Let them know they're in your thoughts and you have faith that they will persevere and triumph.
- Mail a smile. Send an "I'm thinking of you" card to an old friend. You know the one that you promised to stay in touch with?
- Practice attentive listening. When someone is talking to you, give full eye contact and really concentrate on the message. So often we cheat ourselves of very special moments because we are multi-tasking or thinking about what we will do or say next. Slow down.
- Help a co-worker with a project. Do a small favor for a friend.
- Walk your dog. Your furry best buddy loves you no matter what you do but pull out the leash and watch that tail wag. The exercise will do you both good.
- Before you go to bed tonight, write out your thank you notes. As you express your appreciation for the lovely gifts, tell each person how they make a difference in your life every day.
- Forgive. Are you mad at someone, slightly ticked maybe? Let go of a bad feeling you've been harboring. Being angry doesn't make you or anyone else happy.
Be Neighborly
Talk to your neighbors in the language of kindness. That's a language we all understand.
- As you take your early morning walk, put the newspapers that have landed far down your neighbors' driveways on their doorstep.
- Buy a small gift for a child.
- Rake someone's leaves.
- Share a piece of birthday cake. Buying a whole cake is often a waste for an elderly couple or someone who lives alone. A single slice will hit the spot.
- Bring out a plate of cookies to neighborhood children.
It Was Nothing
You'll think it was no big deal but kindness is always a big deal to the person who receives it.
- You know those feedback forms in the store? Use one to tell management about a special employee that gave you good service today. Maybe that person will end up getting a promotion. Just think of what you might have started.
- Give someone a break. Slow down and allow another car to merge into traffic with ease. Let a weary looking shopper step ahead of you in line. Is there a harried mother juggling a baby and packages in a parking lot or an elderly person struggling with a shopping cart? Hold open a door.
- Smile at someone walking by. (How easy can it get?)
- Say something really nice to a stranger. Follow the wisdom of the Japanese proverb: "One kind word can warm three winter months."
Share a Piece of Your Pie
Remember the days when you wanted to change the world? You still can. One small act of kindness at a time.
- Spend part of the day as a volunteer.
- Cure a disease. Build a house. Save the environment. If you received money as one of your gifts today, you can send a portion to support the cause of your choice.
- Send a care package to a deployed soldier. Contact your local Red Cross for a list of suggested items, as well as restrictions on package sizes, wrapping, etc.
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. -- George Washington Carver Happier birthday to you.
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