When you ask people what they wish for, a common answer is world peace. This probably seems like an overwhelming, unrealistic wish, something that we would ideally like but is not possible. Maybe we will never see world peace but we certainly have it in us to make the world a better place. There are so many things we can do everyday which will improve our lives and the lives of others. I know this isn’t the first time that you’ve heard this but do you ever really think about it? Do you think about the role that you play and how you can help?
This thought occurred to me as I was lying in a chair giving blood the other day. All of the people in the room were there voluntarily taking an hour out of their day, getting pricked by a needle (which really doesn’t hurt that much) and giving one pint of their blood. This really isn’t a big gesture when you consider the benefits. They say that one donation will save three lives. WOW! One hour of my time and 10% of my blood (which I can live without, and will be replenished) and I’m saving three lives. Seems like an easy decision to me.
Sure, it’s not the most comfortable thing to do, it might hurt a little, but consider the recipients. There are people having heart surgery, people with leukemia and car crash victims. The uncomfortable feeling of giving blood is nothing compared to what they are going through. I realize not everyone can give blood – your hemoglobin is too low, you have a medical condition that doesn’t allow you to donate… you pass out at the site of a needle! I would challenge that most people who haven’t given don’t even know if they qualify or not. Give it a try…. added bonus – they have Oreos!
Maybe giving blood isn’t your thing, that’s ok there are so many things that you can do everyday to make a difference in the world…
Hold the door for someone
Compliment a friend or a stranger
Write a note to thank someone who inspires you
Put money in an expired parking meter
Call / email / text a friend just to say hi
Double a tip for someone deserving
And my favourite – Hug someone (It said that each time we embrace someone warmly, we gain an extra day of life. So please embrace me now. ~ Paulo Coelho)
You might think that some of these things are no big deal and they won’t make a difference. You’re wrong – they will make a difference. You have no idea the impact that a small gesture will make on another person. You have no idea what kind of day someone could be having when you tell them that they have beautiful eyes. And the beauty of your small gesture is that it multiplies. The recipient is now touched by your gesture and will in turn provide an act of kindness to someone else. And that is the ripple effect. Powerful stuff! Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people can transform the world.
The other benefit is that it will make you feel good. Even without recognition of your kindness, it will make you feel good to know that you made someone’s day a little brighter. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.
What will you do today to make the world a nicer place?
Go be EPIC!
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees ~ Amelia Earhart
Make your life an EPIC adventure! 
Kill them with kindness right? Why not right? Putting others before you and being unselfish and helping others without reward or expecting anything in return is a wonderful thing. As a Canadian, it come natural. So when people from other walks of life beat me to it, I’m floored there are truly kind people out there. Maybe it’s a get what you give kind of thing either way it’s awesome. I love kindness in the world. It’s all around us and we attract it to us the more kindness we give. World Kindness day is November 13. Set your calendar reminders if you need to be notified to be kind on this day… I hope not. lol
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Kindness is Contagious!
Thanks for sharing, Tia. xo
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“There are realities we all share, regardless of our nationality, language, or individual tastes. As we need food, so do we need emotional nourishment: love, kindness, appreciation, and support from others.”
—Swami Kriyananda [J. Donald Walters] (1926)
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Thanks Shannon!
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