Is Giving Good for Us?
As we enter the season of giving, I want to remind us all of the true spirits of giving and that it can and should last all year long. I love this time of year because this is the one time each year where there is mass giving to others going on, which means there is also mass happiness during this month.
Giving to others is one of the key puzzle pieces for spreading happiness far and wide: the giver benefits, the recipient benefits, and anyone who witnesses the giving benefits. I don’t just mean material things. I mean giving in terms of making someone else’s life a little easier, even if just for one split second of their day. Because that split second will perhaps turn their whole day around. I am talking about Acts of Kindness. Videos such as this always get me thinking about the “boomerang effect” of kindness and lift my day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU.
My Experience
Just this week, I was at the post office, and I witnessed extraordinary things. Usually, going to the post office is an ordinary part of life that doesn’t really make a huge impact, but this particular visit was one for the books!
There was a long line to get any business done, but no one was upset. In fact, strangers were making an effort to speak to each other, and there was laughter and smiles. The lady working at the counter kept thanking everyone for being so kind to each other and making the experience great. I was witnessing all of this and smiling inside. As I was walking out the door leaving, I held the door open for a man, not even really thinking about it, and he stopped me, looked me in the eyes, and said: “that was so kind of you, thank you very much.”
I left the post office that day feeling the beauty of humanity when people make an effort to improve each other's lives and give a little. It made me smile for the rest of the day.
I began thinking- what would happen if I made it a point to do AT LEAST one kind thing for someone else each day? What if I put it on my calendar every day and make it a goal in my life? Every. Single. Day.
Well, you guessed it: I am doing it. Maybe you will too!
Have a wonderful day, and I wish you all the best.
Nichole Lindroth Bontrager
CEO & Life Enthusiast at Maria’s Place
