Little things you can do for someone else right now
On some days I suddenly feel like a really egocentric little brat. Then I think: come on Kiek, think a little less about toko Düren, a little more about your fellow human. Sometimes I manage that really well, other days a bit less. Lately, I've been feeling pretty good about it, if I may say so. Maybe it's also a bit part of growing up, I guess. How powerful is that, actually, that you start to realize more and more that it is valuable to mean something for someone else – without necessarily expecting anything in return? Today in a good mood and in the mood to make a difference this weekend? It can start with something very small. Like this for example…
Hang a note with a sweet message in a random place
At the bus stop, in the elevator, or at an ATM. Bring a Post-it pad, a black felt-tip pen, and start scribbling. ‘Your hair looks fantastic today, unbelievable.’ Stick that up. Bet you'll make someone's day?
A chat with a homeless person
Take a moment to ask the homeless person asking for change in the city how their day is going. Shaking your head immediately is so simple, but actually quite inhumane. Besides: genuine attention is sometimes worth much more than money.
Visit your grandpa or grandma
I did that recently too, and it made me think a lot. Just read this.
Respect someone else's faith
Ask someone with a different faith than yours what exactly they believe. And then do it without passing judgment. Genuine interest in each other costs nothing, but is very valuable. You will understand each other better or simply learn to accept that something very different is important to your neighbor than to you.
Hang up bird feed
Those little creatures will be grateful to you with the cold weather coming.
Do say that the person on the street has a nice coat/bag/shoe
Why do we actually do that anyway, think so many nice things but not say them to others? Just look at how it can make someone's day.
Smile at the mother with the crying child on the train
She already has enough with one whiner, I think.
Take an extra lunch and treat your colleagues
Ha. With food, you always score points with your fellow human. Sushi for everybody, that delicious salad, your famous cinnamon waffles, homemade chocolate chip cookies, even if it's a bunch of bananas that need to be eaten now or they'll become overripe; it's the thought that counts. By the way, with those bananas, you can make awesome healthy pancakes if you also have eggs and oatmeal at the office.
