Sometimes happiness comes from doing for others. You know, those “pay it forward” moments.
Several years ago, Harry and I were sitting in a restaurant and noticed an older couple. They weren’t saying too much to each other, just eating their breakfast. They almost looked sad. I think we may have made up a story about them – that they just said goodbye to their son, daughter in-law and grandkids who had been in town visiting. (Do you ever do that? Is that weird?) We ended up paying their bill. We walked out before they were told that their breakfast was paid for. We didn’t want them to know it was us.
We were giddy. Excited for their reaction, even though we would never know what it was. Joyous that we were able to do a good deed. Happy.
The randomizer pulled up the number 23 last week. (I know, I skipped a week! I’ll try and catch up.) 23 is a funny number for me these days. My dad passed away on the 23rd of January last year. February 23rd was also my grandmother’s birthday. It’s not like I hate the number, but it definitely sparks some thoughts, memories and reflections – and perhaps a little bit of sadness.
This week’s Happiness List calls for listing out the different ways you enjoy being kind to others. I am such an advocate for self-care these days and putting your own needs and wants first (you know the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”) that I really had to give this one thought! But kindness doesn’t need to be something grandiose. It can be simple. Maybe opening the door for others. Holding that elevator. Giving a random compliment. I think we all have our special “kindness gifts” – but can we do more? Can we just be aware of others and take notice?
The action for the week is to turn your list into a checklist. What do you do, or have you done to show kindness? Make that list and turn it into a checklist this week. I’m going to!
Love,
The Cohns
