“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Expressing gratitude should be a part of everyone’s routine; right from kids to elders. It is scientifically proven that people who practice showing gratitude are much happier than the rest. It gives you that tingly sensation in the pit of your stomach of making someone’s day tad bit better, by saying or doing a few acts of kindness throughout the day. Every morning, instead of checking your phone and pointlessly scrolling through the gram, spare some time to be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. It makes a huge impact on how we treat others and vice versa. Focusing on what you don’t have will make you anxious. Instead, every time you find yourself stuck in a rut, ask yourself What am I thankful for today? Who can I thank?
Yes, it matters. Even the simple act of telling someone that you are thankful for their presence in your life, goes a long way; it is not trivial. Expressing your gratitude to your friends and family makes them feel good about themselves which gives you a sense of passive joy. Let them know that you appreciate their efforts and love them dearly.
Doesn’t matter how big or small the milestone is, if your closed one achieved something that they are proud of, celebrate their win. Throw a small dinner for them and surprise them with their favourite things. Money cannot buy love however; a small handwritten note can do wonders. It gives everything a personal touch making it memorable. This will encourage them to reach for the stars and will build their confidence.
“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana
Giving a part of something that you have to someone who doesn’t have it is the greatest form of joy you can spread. Volunteering gives you a sense of responsibility and empathy. You don’t have to be filthy rich to practice philanthropy, the gesture matters. Donate your old clean clothes to a local homeless shelter. Women can donate their makeup, unused sanitary products, etc. to a women’s shelter to help the less fortunate.
It is said that “Gaining knowledge is the first step to wisdom; sharing it is the first step to humanity.”
Knowledge is the only thing in this world which is inexhaustible, it would be quite ignorant of anyone to keep it to themselves. Sharing is caring and educating someone is probably the biggest form of charity one can do. Don’t be selfish and share what your knowledge with others and they will do the same to you. It is a great way to bond and cherish what we all know as a community.
Let it be your best friend or a stranger you crossed on the street, greet them with a wide smile and observe how their mood shifts. These random acts of kindness make an impression on people and it reflects how good of a person you are. Helping an elderly person cross the streets will bring so much joy to them; it portrays that you care about them. So every day make sure you smile at the people around you, ask about their well-being and make sure they are having good day so far.