Pay it Forward

Diane Sanford

Performing random acts of kindness is good for your own well-being as well as that of others.

Since Thanksgiving is next Thursday, I challenge you this week to perform random acts of kindness daily.

For instance:

Let family and friends know your gratitude for them.
Smile at the grocery clerk.
Say “Hi” to a neighbor.

These small gestures can turn someone else’s and your own day around because they improve mood and diminish stress.

Did you know that when you are kind or someone is thoughtful towards you, it improves both the receiver’s and the giver’s health, as well as having a positive influence on those observing?¹

Simple acts of kindness include being grateful and appreciative of yourself, so treat yourself to a soothing bath, listen to some music, or spend some time doing something else you enjoy too.

As Helen Keller said,

What I am looking for is not out there—it is in here.

For more ideas on how to practice simple acts of kindness, check out Stress Less Live Better and follow me on Twitter or Facebook for conversation and support in spreading an attitude of gratitude.

Please share your list of small kindnesses and how they made you feel.

Best to each of you!

¹ Post, S. G. (2005). Altruism, happiness, and health: it’s good to be good. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 12(2), 66–77. doi:10.1207/s15327558ijbm1202_4

Mental Health Foundation: Doing good does you good.

The Mindfulness Network

Mindfulness Ireland