Because how often do we stick with our original crew when it comes time for lunch? Step outside of your comfort zone. Sit with a new person at lunch today, or ask them to join you if you're going out for lunch. You're guaranteed to learn something new and you may make a new friend too.
5 Easy, Free Good Deeds
Kindness doesn't always mean you have to come out of your pocket. There are some very simple acts of kindness that you can do, at no cost to you. Here are 5 to get you started:
1. Offer up your seat. You know what it's like to be in a crowded waiting room, or to have your arms full of bags and no where to sit on the bus. If you see this happening, offer up your seat. You're guaranteed to make all the difference in the world to the right person.
2. Give a genuine "hello" and "how are you?" to the doorman. Maybe you see him/her everyday, or maybe you just met because it's a new building you're walking into. Either way, a kind greeting and a smile can go a long way.
3. Pay a compliment. It's almost too easy and it can go a really long way. "I really love those glasses!" "You did a great job on that report yesterday." "You're awesome, just had to let you know." Get the picture! So easy, and quite the day maker!
4. Let a friend know what they mean to you. So easy! "I really appreciate you, I'm so glad we're friends :)." Who wouldn't smile at that and feel amazing after hearing that. I think we need to hear this more often from those whom we love the most.
5. Hold a door. Hold an elevator. Do it on purpose. You see someone a few feet away out of the corner of your eye, be mindful and walk through the door slowly to give them time to catch up, then hold it for them. Door holding is almost a lost art, but it's always appreciated when it happens.
Holding The Door With A Compliment
This story comes from Jessica Watson, who's hosting our Facebook Community event:
I was wondering around city streets in search of a cup of coffee on a late foggy Saturday morning. I stopped in what I thought was a tea house but later discovered I was mistaken. It looked fancy enough to perhaps have to do with weddings or some other kind of formal celebrations. I was quite underdressed in my jeans and casually stylish scarf. I only stayed long enough to confirm for onlookers that I didn't walk in there by mistake (although I most certainly did!).
Before walking in to this fancy establishment, I noticed an elderly man with a briefcase trying to get out. So I held the door open for him and his wife who followed. "Well, you don't see that everyday," he smiled, "a nice young lady holding the door for an old man like me." I did a double take, "Old man? I don't see any old men around here!"
He and his wife chucked. As they were leaving, his wife turned to me and said "that's the best compliment we've heard today. Thank you." We both shared a smile. On that sweet note we parted ways and I continued my search for a coffee.
Free Compliments
Who doesn't love hearing that the outfit they picked out today is spectacular, or that they did a good job on a project at work. This goes back to that weird notion that it's easier to complain when something goes wrong than to acknowledge when something goes right. Let's break that cycle and pay compliments when they are due.
Donate Gently Worn Clothes
This suggestion comes from Kim Webb, who's a part of our Facebook Event community.
"I gave some of my daughter's clothes/shoes that couldn't fit her anymore to my co-worker when I did she was sooo overjoyed and thankful..she couldn't Stop thanking me..I said no worries and just smiled"
Being Kind in Traffic
Traffic can be the most stressful situation of all. Especially commutes to and from work. Be a Day Maker by allowing someone to merge in front of you or turn into your lane. It's a simple act that goes a long way. If you happen to exchange glances, add a wave and a smile.
I Just Called to Say...
Sometimes you'll be out somewhere or working hard at something, and suddenly someone will pop into your mind. Maybe it's nothing at all, or maybe it's your intuition telling you it's time to reach out to someone. A beautiful random act of kindness is to simply call someone you've been thinking of, and let them know you care for them so. Not sure who to call? Think about your parents, siblings, grandparents, other extended relatives, and friends who have moved away. When was the last time you spoke to them or actually heard their voice? Yeah... start there :)
Donate Your Old Books
Sure, we all have books that we treasure and change our lives, but then we also have a whole lot of other books that sit on our shelves and take up a lot of space. When thinking of those other books, how often do you actually read those twice? They would serve the world better if you donated them to a local library or school. You can also pass them along to your friends, and ask them to continue to pay them forward (if you do that, have them sign their name and date they completed reading the book before they pass it on, and your books take on a history of their own).