by Pamela S Thibodeaux

Created on: March 08, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will experience depression in their lifetime. Is it any wonder as women more than men are apt to put the needs of others before their own? Especially emotional needs. However, putting the needs of others is not always a bad thing.

Statisctics also show that when we participate in healthy acts of kindness, it increases our own well-being.

In studying the Law of Attraction as presented in The Secret, two of the quickest ways to experience manifestation of one's own dreams and desires are gratitude and giving.

The bible states, "give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together."

Many people mistakenly place emphasis on giving as it pertains to money only - however one of the greatest things we can do, as individuals is to give of ourselves. Not just money, but time and talent.

Why would giving of your time and talent work for you instead of against?

Because you reap what you sow. If you are sowing kindness, you will reap kindness. Give love, love will return to you. Share joy and joy will abound in your life.

Another reason this works for you, is because when you do something for someone else, with a joyful heart and a good attitude, you take your mind off of yourself and your problems and that in itself, can work wonders.

What are some random acts of kindness we can do?

Let someone cut in line at the check out counter or cut ahead of you in traffic.

Tip the cashier or grocery clerk.

BE Thankful! - Say, "Thank You," to everyone for anything and smile when you do!

Write a letter, visit a nursing home or housebound person.

Read a story to someone who can no longer see well.

Phone a friend or treat a friend out to lunch or for coffee.

Mow your neighbor's lawn or offer to walk his/her dog(s).

Clean an elderly person's home or the house of a friend who has experienced illness.

Give someone a ride to church or the grocery store, better still, buy groceries for someone down on their luck.

Keep the kids for a stay-at-home mom for a couple of hours so that she can treat herself to a luxurious bath, shopping trip, manicure & pedicure or at the very least, a long, uninterrupted nap.

The key to random acts of kindness is not that you're earning points with the angels or God, its that you're giving yourself something to feel good about.

How often should you do random acts of kindness?

As often as you feel led to do so. The more the better.

Do not, however, put so much thought and energy into this that it becomes just another chore - the idea is to do something nice and feel GOOD about it, not obligated or harassed.

If everyone performed one random act of kindness every day, the world would be a nicer place to live.

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