Life Coaching Tip: Random acts of kindness can powerfully impact both the giver and the receiver! As a receiver, it can feel comforting to know that a complete stranger has shown kindness to you. And as a giver, it can create a new perspective that makes your own challenges seem smaller and less significant. It’s truly a win-win all the way around!
____________________________
A while back as I was enjoying my walk on a crisp, October morning, I passed by a gentleman who gave me a quick nod and flashed a bright, beautiful smile at me as he walked by. I honestly could feel his warmth deep down in my soul, and it was just what I needed that day—gentle kindness from a stranger.
A little while later, I saw my new friend again on the trail that looped. But this time, he caught my attention because it looked like he was “suspiciously” hiding something behind a tree. I couldn’t imagine what he could be up to, and of course, I had to check it out!
Well, to my surprise, I found that he had placed a rock—with the word “SMILE” brightly painted on it—in the nook of a tree for someone to find!
Then, I intuitively knew why I felt his energy so deeply. It was one-hundred percent authentic!
I’m guessing that he was plotting where he might hide his treasure and thinking about the joy it might bring someone to find it that morning.
Random acts of kindness are amazing for both the giver and the receiver!
As a receiver, it can be such a comforting feeling to know that others have gone out of their way to show love to you—especially when it’s a complete stranger. That’s how I felt when this fella offered me his warm, friendly smile, and then later when I discovered his secret gift.
And for the giver, the emotional impact can be just as profound!
When you generously do something nice for someone else with love and compassion, it stimulates endorphins in your brain that flush out dismal feelings. And focusing on bringing joy to others can create a sense of perspective and gratitude that makes your own challenges seem smaller and less significant.
It’s so cool to remember that taking the time to offer kindness to other humans creates a win/win situation for all.
I don’t know about you, but the political divide in this country has left me feeling uneasy. Some folks seem hell-bent on creating a callous atmosphere of disrespect and animosity that is rather chilling.
It can feel frustrating for the rest of us—like the world is spinning in the wrong direction and it’s outside of our control.
But remember this quote that is often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
So, are you with me on this?
What do you think would happen if each of us created a plan to help out another human today? What if we’d go out of our way to show kindness to a stranger, offer compassion to a person who might really need it, or give a gift to someone “just because?”
Can you imagine the beautiful energy we could create together if this were our focus?!
It’s time to start turning the ugliness around. We have way more power here than we allow ourselves to believe.
What do you say, my friend?
Hating on Sunshine: Happiness Comes from Within