What do you think would happen if every one of us committed to making a concentrated effort to reach out and offer encouragement to those around us on a regular basis? What if there were a way to start a trend, so-to-speak, that crosses all ethnic and racial boundaries, political partisans and backyard fences to lift up and love our fellow man?
Many of us were raised by The Golden Rule. Nowadays, however, one need only flip through channels on television or surf the internet to see that a majority of the news shared is anything but happy or nice. Think of what a transformation our nation would undergo, if instead of reading perpetual stories about drug overdoses, murders, rapes, bank robberies, assaults and contentious political debates, we each, in our simple ways, resolved to spread acts of kindness to those in need (which, by definition, would be “all” because who doesn’t need kindness?) that would then be posted, published, announced and shared with the world.
Perhaps, reaching out to random strangers or even the neighbor down the street is not something to which you’re accustomed. Maybe you’d like to try to spread a little good cheer and just aren’t quite sure how to go about it.
Here are some idea that don’t cost a lot of money and only take a minimal amount of time and effort:
Bake a loaf of homemade bread and deliver it to someone in your community who doesn’t get much company
Make some lovely homemade stationery or pick up some vintage-style sheets and write a note to say hello and wish your neighbor well–leave it on his/her doorstep with a pretty flower or a plate of cookies
When winter and snowfalls arrive, shovel your neighbor’s walk before he/she gets to it
Do you have flowers in your yard? Clip a bouquet and take it to your local police station or fire department to brighten their day and let them know they’re appreciated
Make coupons that can be redeemed for handyman tasks, such as weeding, lawn mowing, painting, cleaning, etc…hand them out to your neighbors to “cash in” at their convenience
Cook a huge pot of soup, split into various servings and deliver to families in need (someone who is ill, or, perhaps just had a baby)
Invite someone passing by onto your porch for a drink of water or cup of tea and conversation
A smile goes a long way, and so does an act of kindness. Imagine how delightful it would be to read the news, if stories of people encouraging people made the headlines more often.
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
