Daily Act of Kindness

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately, a lot of talking and a lot of listening. Plenty of people have told me how inspirational I am, how I’m hard working, amazing or incredible, and this isn’t me blowing my own trumpet at all, but it got me thinking…

What are the qualities that I have that people value, is there something special about me, or is it just something about this generation that means that people that do little things that make a big difference like I do are either rare or taken for granted?

People are quick to throw negative remarks around, to speak in a derogative way or to look down their noses at people, but they don’t take the time to help, to listen, to ask or to understand.

It’s not hard to make an impact on somebodies day, be it positively or negatively, the language that you use can make a real impact, saying please and thank you, respecting people’s differences and respecting them for who they are as a person, rather than focusing on what they might be makes a big difference.

Just because you don’t agree with someones life choices, views, opinions or beliefs it doesn’t mean you should be disrespectful to them.

So your skin might be a different colour, you might be a different gender, a different height or weight, a different sexuality, you might be of a different religion or faith, of different age, you might dress differently or choose to follow a different path, but everyone does, and the one thing that is normal about the world is that everything and everyone in it is different.

The only valid definition of the word normal these days, in my eyes, is different.

The things that children are being taught not only by schools, but by friends, families and peers too are not inclusive of acceptance, pride, understanding and selflessness.

We aren’t taught that normality is in itself weird, I mean what kind of concept is that?

We’re forced to conform and follow rules, which I understand in some situations is a necessity but we’re not taught that it’s okay to be ourselves and to be proud of who we are, we’re not encouraged to accept diversity.

But the things that we do can teach others, the words and language that we use can make a difference, so instead of putting people down, lets build people up, instead of rushing everywhere lets take time to appreciate the little things in life, if someone needs help don’t walk away because it’s not your problem, help them.

If you don’t know something about the way someone lives their life, why not ask, and educate yourself rather than making judgement on opinions you’ve formed without knowing the full reality.

I dare you to do two things, each and every day to make a difference.

1. Do something small to help somebody you know, to show them that they’re appreciated, make them a cuppa, compliment their outfit, listen to them.
2. Do something small to help someone you don’t know, smile at them, hold open a door, give some change to somebody on the streets.

I don’t do anything that you can’t, we can all give our time for other people, whether it’s lending a listening ear, complimenting someone, standing up for what you believe is right and supporting good causes, challenging peoples language or actions, taking the time to learn more about things you don’t understand.

Everyone feels alone sometimes, everyone has a bad day, everyone needs someone, and you never know when that tiny action you make could make a difference.

But as well as being kind to others, be kind to yourself, learn to love the world, if you don’t like something about it then you have the potential to change it.

Let’s stop wasting our time with hatred and negativity, put that energy and fury in to something positive.

The lessons we teach aren’t always taught at school but by our actions every day, so lets be more thoughtful about our language, about the things we say and the things that we do, if you have an issue with someone discuss it with them, don’t tell the whole of Facebook but not them.

If we all took responsibility for ourselves and our actions then we can teach the next generation the most valuable of lessons.

If you take nothing else away from this status take away this:

1. No matter how busy you are, you can always spare 30 seconds for somebody else, it might not seem like much but that 30 seconds could change your life, as well as the person you give your time to.
2. Time costs nothing.
3. Love your elders, do what you can to help them because they fought for our lives, one day you’ll be old and if we teach todays young people to neglect their elders then it will be you being neglected.
4. Smiling at strangers is not weird, do it, I dare you, it spreads warmth.
5. Nobody is better than anyone, we were all born equal so lets accept and love each other for who we are, let’s start acting more like equals.
6. Value everyone, everyone has a story to tell and their story may well change your life, and sharing it with someone may well change theirs.

Stop living in a bubble, the world isn’t perfect, there’s still lots of things in the world that need to be changed and challenged, but we all have the potential to make a difference to the world every single day.

Let’s all take responsibility for the way that the world is, and work together to change it.

I’m going to begin posting on peoples walls again, along with #100daysofhappiness and brand new # #TABS because a tiny action can cause big satisfaction, #dailyactofkindness

If you’re in share and comment on this status, lets all try and spread some more love and let’s all become an inspiration.