Hi,
WARNING!
Getting all deep and full of feelings and stuff, SO brace yourself! Still not listening, fine, but I warned you. Maybe it is the holidays that's approaching. But with 2016 only 24 days away, you start to rethink 2015. Have you done the things you really loved this year? Do the people around you know you love them? What are the things that really matter? What are the most important things the people around you can do? It doesn’t matter how big or small; how significant to you or insignificant to others. (With all these questions this blog can actually be a 5 part squeal.)
I made cookies, as guest favours, for my Aunt’s surprise birthday party the previous weekend. This led me to think about all the things we do for other people. The effort and time we put in, whether it is a gift or a party. One of my colleagues asked me the other day; “Do you ever wonder if other people will do the same for you? The effort and time that we put in to make things special, when it is time to return the favour, do you think they will do the same for us?” Chances are that they won’t and you would end up hurt, angry and even frustrated with the people around you as they would not always do the same for you as you do for them. You start to plot some form of revenge as you are disappointed in their efforts and the time they invested.
Now, the life lesson I have learnt; “Do to others what you would like them to do to you.”(Without expecting them to live by the same rules) If you follow the above quote and you really take it to heart, then whether or not the favour is returned, is irrelevant. It means that you are doing it with the right mind-set, not for what you can get out, but what you put in, and what it would mean to them. Do we have any other choice?
My Mamma, Julie (a very wise woman, you will get to know her as my posts increase), use to spot the situation where I was mad or frustrated, and she would say in a very irritated tone “there are more than enough mean people in the world, you do not need to be one of them, do the things that make you feel good, and not because you wish to get something back”. (This is not easy, and I still remind myself of this when I am in a similar situation) Sometimes you need to be the bigger person as you never know what battle the person next to is fighting. (Another Julie quote) Something small or insignificant to you could mean the world to someone else.
10 Easy tips (you can do TODAY) that could change someone’s world
If you see someones mood is down, tell them a joke, if they don’t laugh, walk away and tell them that you will come back with a new and improved version. Make sure to check up on them later, even if it is just a text.
Thank people who serve you—waiter, receptionist, cleaner, security guard
Pay for someone’s groceries in your cue, if you don’t have a lot of money, stand in the short cue in the front of the shop (e.g. Max 5 items row), or pick someone that you can see struggles by counting all their coins.
Call and invite an old friend to get drinks, take a small gift with, even if it’s only a Christmas chocolate.
Stop by the hospital to visit a friend, if you can’t stop by, make an effort to stop at their home afterwards with something, or at the very least send a message a few days later finding out how they are doing.
Plan a meeting, surprising everyone with a tea party (remember the cake)
Pay the toll for the person behind you.
Call a friend going through a difficult period to show your support, maybe arrange a “single at last” party, or buy a “happy divorce" cake, with proper chick flicks. (only if it is that kind of “difficult situation”, otherwise it might just be awkward)
Next time you are at the shops, buy something (no matter how small) for the special person in your life, or write a letter or note to them.
Invite a friend for dinner, try to make their favourite food. Remember to talk less and listen more.
BONUS: If you receive good service from someone, make sure to go to their manager and pass on the compliment. People are easy to complain but very slow to compliment. Make time for the small things in life, and make sure to think about the people around you and what they might me going through. Do something for your sweetheart or stranger, maybe they pass it on to the next stranger. That’s it for another blog post., hope you are making the most of what is left of 2015.
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Love,
Lindi