When Was Your Last "Random Act of Kindness?"

Few of us are downright mean people but most of us fail to be kind at one time or another.  If you ever struggle with this, my advice is to simply act toward others the way you want to be treated.  

You have probably seen the bumper sticker that reads “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.” I experience this for myself while in a drive-thru line.  I pulled up to the window and the cashier said that the person ahead of me paid my bill.  I was blown away by the act and immediately wanted to return the favor.

Another remedy is to do something kind for someone who may least deserve it.  Performing such an act can be better than therapy.  It is such a great feeling to receive kindness. Our giving it back feels just as good to those we interact with. 

Mark Twain said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

Are You as Patient as a Tree?

Patience 

The other day I was late to an appointment and was waiting for a one-person-bathroom to come available.  I could hear the toilet paper roll dispensing, the toilet seat closing, the toilet flushing, the sink running and the hand towels dispensing.  But all of this was taking inordinately too long.  I was furious at the insensitivity of the person behind the bathroom door.  Well, furious until the door slowly opened and out shuffled a shriveled up old tinny handicapped woman apologizing profusely for taking so long.  I felt really small. 

Because “patience is a virtue,” I am facing my shortcomings and diligently practicing being patient.  If you suffer from this as well, all I can suggest is that you face your impatience, refresh your commitment to act with class, and redouble your effort to act patiently.  One practical suggestion: allow adequate time for what you need to do, because if you are pressed-for-time, impatience is just around the corner.

Ralph Waldo Emersonput it beautifully when he wrote; "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."

The Powerful Pen

Endear Yourself to Your Spouse

I like small decorative hinged boxes.  One such box is open and has cards and notes from my wife to me.  It is in constant view of my desk.  I place each new card in front of the last.  As I look at it now I see the words, “When I think of you…” 
 
There is nothing more personal that we can do for our most important partner in life then to affirm them in writing.  It is really simple to do.  If they take their lunch to work, have you ever slipped in a warm note to surprise them later?  A card on their pillow is a great way to end their day.  Also, a note in a suitcase will encourage them when they travel.

Children Love It

Children love to receive handwritten communication as well.  I remember a time when I was separated from my kids and I would write them cards telling them that I was thinking about them.  There were also occasions when I praised them for a particular character quality or acknowledged a special accomplishment. The handwritten note increased the impact of my affirmation.
Handwritten communication is a powerful tool.  It is:

1. Personal.  It is direct, requires no intervention of another, and separates you out from all others.
2. Purposeful.  There is nothing ambiguous about a written note.  It is totally intentional.  The person delivering the message is “all in” concerning the relationship.
3. Perpetual.  Personal written communication lives on long after it is delivered. It stays fresh, you can reread it, relive it and it is never lost.

Who can you reach out to today with a handwritten greeting, comment or encouragement?  My suggestion is that you start with family, then friends and finally coworkers.  Your affirmation will blow them away!

"Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them."
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe