I can’t believe the holiday season is here again. You may already be buying gifts to wrap and give away to your family and friends. We tend to get busy with shopping and other activities during this time of the year. Finding parking at your local shopping area can be difficult and the drivers on the road seem more rude than usual. However, I had an experience this week that gave me hope.
I was waiting in a line at a local store to make a purchase. Although the lines were long, those waiting did not seem impatient. In fact, the couple that was in front of me saw that I only had a couple of items to purchase. They offered to let me go ahead of them in the line so that I would not have to wait so long. Their kindness was an example of what we should be doing on a daily basis. What would happen if we all started doing small things for people we didn’t know? What are some examples of things you could do?
- Buy a cup of coffee for someone you don’t know
- Go out of your way to open a door for someone
- Let someone move ahead of you in a line
- Let someone get a parking space that you both noticed was available
- Pay the toll for people behind you
- Offer your seat on the bus/subway to someone
- Give good books away (http://www.bookcrossing.com)
- Compliment someone
These are just a few ideas of things you can do for others every day. Try out some of these ideas today and think of some additional ways you can show you care.
The article "Give a Miracle by Giving Yourself" at http://www.everydaygiving.com/ezine/27NOV05.html also discusses some new ways to think about giving to others we don’t know. It describes ways you can improve and save lives. I strongly encourage you to read the article and consider following through with one or more of those ideas. The world will be a better place because of your actions.