It is the time of year where we think about spreading cheer or kindness towards others. While this is always a wonderful idea shouldn't this be something we practice on a daily basis regardless of the time of year or the situation. The cheer or kindness we share with others also provides the giver with positive, warm feelings. Go ahead and think back to a time when you did something purely out of kindness, not necessarily looking for acknowledgement and how you felt. Kindness and cheer are a two way street having cause and affect on both parties. During these challenging times everyone could use a little kindness or appreciation. We have had more than a year with the challenges of remote work and school, short staffed businesses, social challenges and more. Take the time to share with someone that you appreciate them for whatever the reason may be, these simple words "Thank you, I appreciate you" can mean so much. The important part is to be sincere, believe it in your heart and the other person will feel your sincerity.
Here is something I like to do when we are dining out, of course be kind and appreciative of the staff, always, but I also like to leave a small note on the receipt after adding the tip or if leaving cash just write large enough on the receipt so they will see the note such as; "thank you for coming to work today", "you are doing a great job", "remember someone cares about you".
I am not one to make resolutions but a few years ago I tasked myself with at least once a week to find someone or somewhere for which I am grateful or appreciative. I purchased some nice colorful notecards, a nice pen and placed them where they would be in my sight to remind me of this new plan. I will be honest I may have missed some weeks but I was pretty consistent and I do my best to continue with it to this day. Here is an example of one of the opportunities which I really wanted to share my appreciation...about 2 years ago I had been pretty sick and was needing something to provide me with some relief. So on my way to work I stopped at a grocery store, it was fairly early in the day so the store was not yet fully staffed. As I am walking around the pharmacy area looking for something a young lady was coming in clearly to just start her work day she still had on her coat, carrying her purse and cup of coffee. She changed her path, came up to me and asked how she could help, I told her what I was looking for she walked me directly to the right area and said "I hope you feel better soon." I of course thanked her for going out of her way but felt I needed to do more. I wrote a note to the store manager, shared my story and how much I appreciated her help and wanted to them to know and asked if they would please share this note with her. I hope my note made her feel half as good as her gesture did for me. Even as I type this it still makes me happy. I did not sign the card with my name just "a very grateful customer." Keep in mind the notes do not need to be from something you personally experienced but possibly something you saw someone else experience.
In short what I am trying to convey is to be kind always, it's good for you and good for others. Remember everyone is going through something that you may know nothing about.
Stay tuned for a new workout
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