In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, we sometimes get caught up in our own troubles. We can get so wrapped up in our little stressors, that we forget to see the real problems in our society. At times, people hold doors open for us, and we are too distracted to say thank you. We look down at our phones as we walk and when someone tells us they like our outfit, we ignore them because we weren't paying attention. I have been guilty of scenarios like these, but I am realizing now the necessity of getting my head out of the gutter and looking up towards greater things.
I am going to challenge myself, and all of you, to forget about your own little worries for even just a few seconds, to do something for someone else. Think about how a person complimenting you can turn your day around in a second. Turns out, when you help others, it actually boosts your own mood. The "helping hand" you choose to give can be big or small, and you can choose to do something for just one person or a group of people.
I thought I would give you some ideas as to how to pay it forward here. I think it is a good idea for all of us as a society to start looking out for each other instead of only for ourselves. We are all capable of doing good for others. The world might be a better place if we all start.
The simplest act of kindness one can give another is a bright smile. Simply walking past others, smiling and saying hello, will have a positive impact on them for the rest of their day. Everyone loves to see a friendly face in the morning while running errands or at work.
Another easy thing to do for someone else is to hold the door open. Hold it open even if they are a little bit further away. The person will appreciate it so much. I know that when someone holds a door for me, it always puts a smile on my face. If you really want to see a smile, hold a door open for an elder. They have so much gratitude for the fact that they are seeing a young person do something kind for others.
Acts that require a bit more time could be volunteering at an animal shelter, visiting the elderly at a nursing home, or serving food at a homeless shelter. Although these three are a bit more time consuming, seeing the difference you can make in someone's life is so worth it. Giving a little bit more love to those who feel alone goes a long way.
The important thing to remember is that whatever you choose to do, don't do it to make yourself feel better about yourself. This isn't about you. This is about forgetting about the itty bitty problems in your life to help someone else deal with their much more massive situations. Anyone can make a difference, and if we start with little things like this, our communities can be friendlier and happier than ever before.
