I love the way you think. I will say the litmus test is to watch people read text messages and when they get a good one, they smile regardless of where they are or what they are doing. A hand written note is ten times better. When my Mom was dying of cancer, she received a card shower from my coworkers. A card shower is where someone puts out a request for cards with a name and address. Then everyone sends a card. My request was for cards indicating they were praying for her comfort and wished her peace. My Mom ( a little Italian lady who would say when I came in the door, do you have all that paper crap with you- which we all still laugh about to this day) was hesitant at first about why these strangers were sending her mail every day. But grew to rush me to get the mail, one of her last sentences to me was how much she was impressed with all the notes they wrote. They didn’t just make her cards, they wrote heartfelt messages to her, a complete stranger.
Beautiful. The kindness of strangers. Kindness has a ripple effect that can go on indefinitely. Look how you still remember and now, by sharing your story, those of us who read it are benefiting from this kindness. Thanks for sharing, Laura.
A group of friends got together and wrote heartfelt notes to be delivered at a nursing home during the pandemic. For many of the residents it was the only outside contact they had. Not only was it wonderful for them, we all had a warm fuzzy feeling, too. That's how kindness works!
Part of my business is teaching in Assisted Living and independent living facilities. I think they make my day more than I make theirs. They are always so happy to see me, share stories and love to make cards and send cards! Every month they tell me - thank goodness you’re here, I am running out of cards.
The 102nd thing. If you are scared to do something, do it anyway. That's how I became a radio host at age 50, learning on the job. The lack of applicants led the director to ask me if I would be interested due to my presence on social media. I was, of course. It's early in, 5 months approx., but I do very much enjoy being on the air.
Something I like to do, simply because I believe it makes a difference in the days of others as well as myself, is smile at people in a store. For me it is the grocery store. If they are particularly gloomy looking I give them a compliment. “I love your shirt” it is so pretty. “That’s a cool hat you’re wearing.” Try it, it will become a favorite thing to do. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes on their face. This all started in a Bible study. The question was asked how we could make a small difference in the lives of others. I responded with mail more cards. I E greeting cards, aka Happy Mail. Of course, that’s my business. I teach card making and paper crafting. So when everyone laughed, I said seriously , do that. But if you want to make a difference in the lives of others you don’t know, smile at them. Sometimes, when I watch people as I walk in the grocery, they look rushed or miserable or like they are having a bad day. As you see them one aisle after the next, you feel bad for them and wonder what is going on in their lives. Smile at them, and if you see it brighten their face immediately and the smile back, well you just made a difference my friend. It didn’t cost you a cent. Then look at how you feel. It comes back to you.
I agree. Just simply smiling at people in the store makes a big difference. It makes me feel different too. I’m often in a rush at the store and smiling makes it a lighter task.
When asked questions along the lines of “How’s your day going?”, say something like “good” or “really well”. Avoiding negativity, even when things are not so good, does wonders for me.
I’ve found smiling and saying “I’m just peachy! How are you?” Almost always makes me and the other person chuckle — even strangers. Perhaps it’s the Southern accent that goes along with it. 🤠
OK Bill, #70 is a bit self serving, but it's good advice.
I know saying thank you is on the list, but I encourage people to just stop what you are doing and just say "thank you" to no one in particular and when no one is around to hear. Maybe you're saying it to someone from the past. Maybe to God or maybe to yourself. It's a good way to remember to say "thank you" when it's truly warranted. Thank you.
I love the way you think. I will say the litmus test is to watch people read text messages and when they get a good one, they smile regardless of where they are or what they are doing. A hand written note is ten times better. When my Mom was dying of cancer, she received a card shower from my coworkers. A card shower is where someone puts out a request for cards with a name and address. Then everyone sends a card. My request was for cards indicating they were praying for her comfort and wished her peace. My Mom ( a little Italian lady who would say when I came in the door, do you have all that paper crap with you- which we all still laugh about to this day) was hesitant at first about why these strangers were sending her mail every day. But grew to rush me to get the mail, one of her last sentences to me was how much she was impressed with all the notes they wrote. They didn’t just make her cards, they wrote heartfelt messages to her, a complete stranger.
Beautiful. The kindness of strangers. Kindness has a ripple effect that can go on indefinitely. Look how you still remember and now, by sharing your story, those of us who read it are benefiting from this kindness. Thanks for sharing, Laura.
I am smiling as I read your comment!
Such a nice idea!
A group of friends got together and wrote heartfelt notes to be delivered at a nursing home during the pandemic. For many of the residents it was the only outside contact they had. Not only was it wonderful for them, we all had a warm fuzzy feeling, too. That's how kindness works!
Part of my business is teaching in Assisted Living and independent living facilities. I think they make my day more than I make theirs. They are always so happy to see me, share stories and love to make cards and send cards! Every month they tell me - thank goodness you’re here, I am running out of cards.
Thank you for clarifying fortuitous—that comment made my day! :)
I liked extrapolate as well! It was a double bonus word day!
Buy flowers for yourself, or for someone that needs to have their day brightened (or both!)
Park as far away from the store entrance as you can.
My husband does this and now so do I.
Play a board game with a child (your own or niece, nephew, friend's kid) and/or read to a child.
The 102nd thing. If you are scared to do something, do it anyway. That's how I became a radio host at age 50, learning on the job. The lack of applicants led the director to ask me if I would be interested due to my presence on social media. I was, of course. It's early in, 5 months approx., but I do very much enjoy being on the air.
Something I like to do, simply because I believe it makes a difference in the days of others as well as myself, is smile at people in a store. For me it is the grocery store. If they are particularly gloomy looking I give them a compliment. “I love your shirt” it is so pretty. “That’s a cool hat you’re wearing.” Try it, it will become a favorite thing to do. It is amazing to me what a difference it makes on their face. This all started in a Bible study. The question was asked how we could make a small difference in the lives of others. I responded with mail more cards. I E greeting cards, aka Happy Mail. Of course, that’s my business. I teach card making and paper crafting. So when everyone laughed, I said seriously , do that. But if you want to make a difference in the lives of others you don’t know, smile at them. Sometimes, when I watch people as I walk in the grocery, they look rushed or miserable or like they are having a bad day. As you see them one aisle after the next, you feel bad for them and wonder what is going on in their lives. Smile at them, and if you see it brighten their face immediately and the smile back, well you just made a difference my friend. It didn’t cost you a cent. Then look at how you feel. It comes back to you.
I agree. Just simply smiling at people in the store makes a big difference. It makes me feel different too. I’m often in a rush at the store and smiling makes it a lighter task.
I can see that you are a wonderful person to be around. I bet you brighten a lot of peoples' days.
"If you smile at me, I will understand, as that is something, everyone, everywhere, does in the same language " ( Stephen Stills)
Nice😃
Mail someone a greeting card, for any reason!
When asked questions along the lines of “How’s your day going?”, say something like “good” or “really well”. Avoiding negativity, even when things are not so good, does wonders for me.
I’ve found smiling and saying “I’m just peachy! How are you?” Almost always makes me and the other person chuckle — even strangers. Perhaps it’s the Southern accent that goes along with it. 🤠
I am just peachy girl too! :)
I love doing jig saw puzzles. But start small,like 300 pieces.
OK Bill, #70 is a bit self serving, but it's good advice.
I know saying thank you is on the list, but I encourage people to just stop what you are doing and just say "thank you" to no one in particular and when no one is around to hear. Maybe you're saying it to someone from the past. Maybe to God or maybe to yourself. It's a good way to remember to say "thank you" when it's truly warranted. Thank you.
Listen to classical music.
Park at the far end of the parking lot.
Go inside instead of using a drive through at the drug store, bank or restaurant.
Buy and eat something organic.
Bag your own groceries.
Cook a meal using non-packaged foods.
Cook a bowl of real oatmeal.
Take a hike - in the woods.
102nd habit...if you're young and able enough shovel out a hydrant in your neighborhood.
Yes. I tell my boys to adopt a hydrant or two and keep it clear all winter.
Make someone who does not want to laugh , laugh .
You know the ol don’t smile trick for you kids but for adults...
Haha
Thank you!
Here’s one for Bill’s readers…all of them:
Comment on this article. Even if just to say, “Thank you for this.”
Thanks Bill and I just thought of another- catch a sunset or sunrise whenever you can!
102 things - If you have a positive customer service interaction, let them know, remember their name, and write a positive review through email