Do Good

’Tis supposed to be the season of good tidings and good will, but who has time for that? After all, you have to hang the lights before it gets too cold, Johnny needs a new 72” television for his room (even though he is 4), and you have to figure out gifts for all of your kids’ teachers (mug filled with hot chocolate mix anyone?).

Well, I have a story that reminds us that kindness is still the reason for the season.

I was in the drive thru at Starbucks this morning. I don't really like Starbucks coffee (can you say Star-burn?), but I drink it anyway. I got to the window, my arm hanging out, flashing my cash. The cashier told me the person in front of me had paid for my drink. {Dammit! Should have gone with the venti size instead of the tall}. I was really taken off guard. Good will from a total stranger who wanted nothing in return? Certainly he/she was waiting around the corner for a back rub (no happy endings) or, at the very least, an extra venti “thank you.”

Nope, no strings attached. In fact, the generous driver of that burgundy mini-van raced off into the distance and I couldn’t give him/her so much as a wave. This small gesture of kindness really did make my morning. It reminded me to get my head out of my ass and realize that one small act can have a very large impact. We never know how our actions affect others. We need to be mindful.

These days, we are often wary when a stranger does something nice. We suspect there is something wrong with them or that we might be in danger. The other night I was at Target. I was backing out of my parking spot when some guy gestured to me to roll down my window. RAPIST! I thought. This dude wants to abduct me right here on the spot. But, because I am a people pleaser and don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, I did roll down my window. The guy informed me that my rear tail light was out. That was it. No kidnapping, no gun pulling, no nothing.

On that note, here are a few ideas of things we can all do to extend that small gesture of good will (from HERE). Don’t mind my parenthetic additions. That’s just how I roll:

• Write a note of appreciation to your mailman (but only when he brings packages)
• Compliment a stranger sincerely (don’t be surprised if they look very afraid of you and make gestures to protect their children).
• Look for something around you that can be fixed up, picked up, or attended i.e., put shopping carts up, pick up some trash laying around, pick up something that has fallen over
• Give a lottery ticket to a stranger (but only if you’ve checked it and it’s not a winner)
• Send handmade cards or a letter to someone you care for (use creepy cut out letters, ransom-style, from magazines to make it interesting).
• Write a note to management or someone themself who has treated you nice while doing their job (waiter, clerk, sales person...etc.)
• Cut coupons out and leave them at the grocer register for others (especially for maxi pads. Those things are pricey!)
• Put a comment on someone's webpage that you really like...... let them know you enjoy it (you can do this right here, right now)
• Start a conversation up with a co-worker that you don't know (unless they have a hairy back, then skip it)
• Put change in a row of vending machines
• Visit a nursing home. Spend time visiting with someone who doesn't get visitors (don’t focus on the smell of urine)
• Put something you no longer need on Craig's list free spot for your area
• Leave a book you have already finished somewhere for someone else to read
• At post office leave some extra stamps at the stamp machine
• Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, thank you card, you are appreciated card, book, etc.) anonymously
• Take flowers to a hospital ward and give them to someone who hasn't had any visitors
• Take some cake, chocolates, flowers etc. to the neighbors, or a senior citizen nearby
• Send someone a small gift anonymously
• Make a cd of your favorite songs and give to a friend
• Invite someone who is alone over for dinner.
• Send a thank you to the employees at a hospital, or anywhere else that a cheerful thank might add a smile
• Feed a parking meter that has expired
• Write a thank-you note to a person from your past who has made a difference in your life (I really LOVE this one)
• Drop a few coins in an area where children play, where they can easily find them (and secretly sit and watch them fight over it)
• Copy a favorite recipe and give it to someone
• Buy a copy of your favorite book and donate it to your local library or hospital
• Send a card to a friend or relative you haven't seen for some time. Include a photo of yourself and/or your family
• Make a point of introducing yourself to someone you see all of the time but never say hello to
• If you know someone who is having a hard time financially, pop a $5, $10 or $20 note in an envelope, disguise your writing or type the envelope, and post it to them
• Offer to baby sit
• Donate clothes to goodwill
• Say “hello” to every runner you pass (I made that one up)

I don’t know if it will really happen, but I am going to try to do one of these things every.single.day until Christmas (starting tomorrow, of course). If I don’t do it I will make my kids do it. And, I’m going to try to tell you about it, if I can remember.

Do any good deeds lately or has anyone done something nice for you “just because”?

What’s one good deed you would add to the list?

Want to try the good-deed challenge with me? Feel free to add this button to your blog.

SUAR