Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Thanksgiving - A Great Time to Give Back....

I have noticed that  a lot of people on facebook are taking a Thanksgiving challenge and posting things they are grateful for every day for the month of November.  I love that and know that being aware of the good gifts in your life will only bring about more and open your hear to a more abundant life.  I came across a list of "35 Little Acts of Kindness" today and thought I would pass it along.  They are all very simple and most of them do not cost a penny - but they will make a difference in someone's day.  As we are aware of all that we have been blessed with, use that to motivate us to do more for others.  I challenge all of us to pick one or two a week to put into practice from now until Thanksgiving!

1. Say "Good morning" to a person standing next to you in the elevator.
 
2. Pay the toll for the driver behind you.

3. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you're rushing.

4. Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail.

5. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.

6. Give a homeless person a take-out meal.

7. Say "I love you" to someone you love.

8. Put a coin in an expired meter.

9. Help a mother carry her baby stroller up the subway stairs, or hold a door open for her.

10. Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old.

11. Take someone's shift as the car-pool parent.

12. Bring your assistant coffee.

13. Out of the blue, send flowers to a friend.

14. Say "please" and "thank you"—and really mean it.

15. When you're on a crowded train or bus, offer your seat to an elderly, disabled or pregnant person.
16. Don't interrupt when someone is explaining herself.

17. Let a fellow driver merge into your lane.

18. Offer to baby-sit for a single mom.

19. Put your shopping cart back in its place.

20. Call or write to a teacher who changed your life.

21. Bring a box of doughnuts to share at the office.

22. Forgive someone a debt–and never bring it up again.

23. Listen with all your senses.

24. Write a note to the boss of someone who helps you, and explain how great a job that person is doing.

25. Simply say "I'm sorry" when you're wrong.

26. Throw away your trash—and someone else's—after a movie, picnic or visit to a park.

27. Encourage someone who seems despondent.

28. Volunteer to take care of a friend's dog while he is vacationing.

29. Help a friend pack for a move.

30. Ask someone "How are you really doing?"—and then really listen to her response.

31. Offer change when the person in front of you at the register comes up short.

32. Before a friend moves away, give her your favorite recipe or quote and a photo of the two of you together.

33. Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waiter.

34. At work, offer to transfer a caller who needs help from another department.

35. Pass along a great book you've just finished reading


Today I am grateful for:  1.  One last day of 70 degree weather  2.  Encouragement from my new team at work  3.  Getting a good work-out in  4.  Hearing a funny story about Martha Ann  5.  Seeing other people's list of grateful things

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