by P J Scanland

Created on: March 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 16, 2009

Change someone else's day for the better and you may improve your own. Mother Theresa's life of devotion to some of the neediest people in the world is an often cited example of kindness and charity. It earned her many admirers and could even have contributed to her long and healthy life. Few of us are able to compete at that level of selfless giving. However, each of us has the ability to help someone.

Many people donate large amounts of time and money to hospitals, colleges and cultural endeavors. The world is a better place because of their generosity. You may not be able to compete with them either, but you can make a difference every day. Your acts of kindness are no less important to the beneficiary and the personal touch is healthful for you.

On any given day, you will find opportunities. They are things you would not necessarily recognize as such and certainly will not get your name in the news. But small things can make a big difference. Open a door for someone who is struggling with that simple task. Smile at someone you pass on the street. When you are diving in your car and someone is trying to move over a lane, let them in. If someone drops something on the floor, pick it up for them. If you know someone in need of a friend, call them up and let them talk. Spend the afternoon helping someone with their household chores.

The kindness you show may or may not be returned in the future, but that is not the point. You have offered assistance when someone needed it. In doing so you may find the burdens in your own heart have lifted even if only for a moment.

There is so much anger in our world today; so much worry over current economic conditions; so much frustration with jobs, health problems or housing issues. We all need a helping hand, a smile and warm hug now and then just to get through the day. Be the first one to offer it. You will be surprised how good it makes you feel and the ripple effects could go farther than you ever imagined.

Think about what you can do to help someone. Think small or think big, it all matters. Showing kindness may not keep you young or give you a long life, but it can certainly put a smile on your face and in your heart when you know you did a good deed.

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