Since I was a child, my parents always taught me that giving is better than receiving. It's always been important to me to make sure I had a gift for every member of my family at Christmas time or that all of my friends got cupcakes on their birthdays. Never did I worry about getting gifts in return, for the simple act of making someone's day is what matters most.
In the age of instant gratification and credit cards, it's not easy to surprise people with things they want. It's more than likely that if we want something, we'll go get it ourselves rather than waiting on someone to give it to us. However, buying presents is not the only way to make people feel special or loved. It's the simple things, like visiting when they're sick or sending a birthday card that they'll remember and appreciate the most.
The best part about doing something nice for someone is the look on their face when it happens. Some of the best reactions come from surprise parties or an unexpected present. When you choose to be considerate of the feelings of others and do something kind, you’re truly showing them how much you care. It may seem corny, but waiting anxiously for my sister to open her birthday presents is one of my favorite things to do. I know that I worked hard to make her happy, and even though I won't get anything physical or monetary as a reward for all of my work, the smile on her face is all I need.
The recipient isn’t the only one who is going to feel good after an act of kindness. If you do something for someone else, a wave of positivity and pride will wash over you and make you want to continue to do nice things. It's not easy to always put others first, but it's worth it. There have been countless times when I have gone to bed at two in the morning because I was baking for someone, putting together a party to celebrate a family member, or making a memory video. But when I think back to those times, it's not the long nights or tiring activities I remember, it's the look of appreciation and admiration I got as a response.
The hardest part of doing for others is the fact that it's likely you'll have to sacrifice something of your own in order to do so. Whether it is an event you'd have to miss or your sanity, you may have to be put second behind someone else. That's when most people decide to skip the hard work and only take care of themselves. You'll be part of a special breed if you make someone's day first and take care of yourself later.
It's not second nature for everyone to put others before themselves, but it is important to attempt to every once in a while. The more you give, the better you feel, and all of your hard work will be worth it in the end.
