Live the Dream

I believe the best part of my day is found in helping someone else. Even if it’s just a little thing like putting the shopping carts away at the grocery store so they don’t litter the parking lot like road blocks waiting to be blown into some unfortunate vehicle. I once had a man stop me and tell me it was very sweet of me to put my cart away, apparently humans are not known for picking up after themselves. It took another 60 seconds from my evening but I knew it was right, and then I watched as that man put his cart away too. The action made my heart dance. Could kindness be contagious? Now think about how good it makes you feel when someone else sends a kind act your way?

Here are 3 little ways I've found can turn an average day, an average life, into one of joy: 

1. A kindness done for you: I have a wonderful friend named Adrianna who every now and then just out of the blue will send me a text to wish me a wonderful day and let me know I was on her heart. I got one of these texts the other day when I was just about to burn out. Like magic, her words lifted my spirits and I marched along the rest of the day to a much more jovial drum.

2. A kindness done by you: You’ve heard it said before, it’s amazing what happens when you don’t care who gets the credit. So do not go looking for a gold star to hang about your mantel as you serve another but do it instead to make their day a more enjoyable one. Write a note, send flowers, make a phone call, or simply smile. I heard a story recently from a girl who went on trip with some married friends and upon returning late at night was surprised to find the husband come around the car and open her door for her. Then he walked her to the door, carrying her luggage, and unlocked it for her as he and his wife wished her good night. This may sound like nothing but this act of chivalry from this friend sent the girl an incredible opinion of this man and his wife. Not only that, she has shared this story with me several times and I can tell it made a significant lasting impression. 

3. When you see a kindness done: Just as satisfying as being the bearer or the reciprocant is being the witness of a good deed. And isn’t it true that when you see a kindness in action your own spirit of altruism ignites? Every time I hear a friend edify another and see the look of pure appreciation in their eyes, I find myself wanting to edify every person I cross paths with. Kindness is contagious. “No kind action ever stops with itself,” said Amelia Earhart, “One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves.”

As you go about your day today think back to the last time you were an unexpected blessing for someone and how it made you feel. What about the last time someone did the same for you? It kind of makes your day doesn’t it? Make someone’s day today, and only expect in return the gratitude they will show you.

LIVE THE DREAM!

Chelsea Kuhn