SPREADING JOY

Random acts of kindness - they’re so great and wonderful. I love doing them. There’s a soul satisfying element to them. It’s like giving the gift of joy to others and ultimately, the gift of joy to oneself. For me, the best part of a random act of kindness is its unexpected nature. Recipients aren’t expecting the kindnesses bestowed upon them and this makes it all the more sweeter.

When I was 13 years old, I called the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon to donate some of my own money to their cause. I remember feeling so good and proud about donating. I felt like I was doing something really worthy. It was a way of helping people and making the world a little better. It continued to paying tolls for people behind me at toll bridges and handing out dollars to the homeless guy at the gas station. It was so satisfying to watch that man take my dollars and walk into McDonald’s to buy himself a hamburger and coffee. This inspired my skeptical dad to want to give, too. When my kids were younger, I’d make baskets filled with goodies and they’d help me leave them on doorsteps, ring the doorbell, and run away. We’d watch from behind a bush as the recipients of our baskets opened their doors to find the surprise waiting for them. Sometimes, when a salesperson has been especially helpful, I’ll ask for their supervisor. Their look of worry and dread turns into bashful smiles when I tell their supervisor what a great employee they have. So many people are quick to complain yet so few of us are willing to stop to praise and acknowledge those who deserve it. Try it sometime. You’ll feel great and so will they.

It feels good to give – words, deeds, unexpected gifts, even something as simple as a smile. Random acts of kindness spread joy and our world can use all the joy we can provide. In receiving random acts of kindness, people’s hearts are given a lift which adds a little spring to their step. It might even inspire them to pass on random acts of kindness, then more hearts will be lifted, more steps will be springy. Can you see the possibilities? Think about spreading joy in your little corner of the world. You’ll be uplifting others and feel uplifted yourself. I guarantee it.