Are you searching for several ways to make the world a happier place to live in, not just on the calendar day of April 30th: “Pay It Forward Day”?
You’ve come to the right place for info. As mentioned in my last article, charitable acts of kindness have become widespread throughout the world, especially in the past few years. Don’t have a clue on how to join this terrific movement of “Kindness Rocks”? Your electronic devices are full of ideas!
While getting gas for his own car, one young man tells us that he washed the windshield of the auto behind him in line, much to the delighted surprise of the other patron. You can check the computer’s printable info on “The 30 Day Kindness Challenge.” Also, Pinterest’s “25 Days of Giving” gives two special standouts:
1. Encourage someone today/help motivate them. Be intentional and specific.
2. Drop off a supply or monetary donation to an animal shelter (or not-for-profit charitable clothing or food center). ***Many of our local Sun City clubs do this act of giving throughout the year; let’s all try to do it as individuals.
In addition to these two sites, Chrystal Maldonado entered her last “Positively Smitten” electronic post on May, 2015. In it she writes, “It feels good to donate, volunteer, or give – both for those on the receiving end and for you, too. Actively trying to be kind can make you a happier person.” My Part 1 of this topic refers to acts of giving through “Pass It On” and “Spread the Kindness” and “Pay It Forward” gift cards or payments to complete strangers. Here are 6 non-monetary suggestions found in Chrystal’s “52 Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness.”
1. Pay someone a compliment
2. Help someone carrying a lot of stuff
3. Let someone merge into your lane in traffic
4. Allow an individual in need to cut in front of you in a crowded line
5. Shovel someone’s sidewalk or driveway
6. Rake a neighbor’s leaves
7. MAKE OUR OWN SUN CITY COMMUNITY A HAPPIER and KINDER PLACE BY SIMPLY: smiling and saying “Hello” to strangers, not just to acquaintances/greeting new neighbors.
The Honey Foundation (Just Because) explains that “People who are kind and compassionate are usually the most successful.” It makes you stronger because the giver’s own mental health is strengthened.
“When you are grateful and practicing random acts of kindness – the result is inner calm, clarity of thinking and a heart full of love.”
There is laughter and inner joy in your life. The foundation concludes that with this “helper’s high,” – “you get more health benefits than you would from exercise or quitting smoking.”
Universally accepted physiological benefits of these acts of unselfishness include the following:
1. Strengthened immune system
2. Improved cognitive performance
3. Increase in energy
4. Lower heart rate
5. Balanced cortisol levels (the body’s main stress hormone) which result in less internal stress, diminished pain, and lower blood pressure, and
6. The likelihood of living a longer and more satisfied life!
