Books can help you do a grouch a favor—February 1, 2012
Sometime in the middle of February, there is a “Do A Grouch A Favor” Day, an opportunity to check your benevolence quotient by offering the Crabby Appletons in your life a “warm fuzzy”. A small favor or a kind word to a person whose body language screams hostility might soften a grump’s angry heart.
“Random Acts Of Kindness” and “More Random Acts Of Kindness” are just a few of HPL’s books which have ideas for actions which can have a positive result. You can offer manufacturer’s coupons to shoppers at the grocery store or ease a mother’s tension by pushing a separate children’s cart so she can finish her list without distraction. There are endless opportunities to lift someone else’s mood.
So many people, young and old alike, who you meet seem to be lost in their own worlds. Their faces are masks of emotions which leave them feeling alone and saddened. A simple greeting might be just what the doctor ordered. Sometimes, an opportunity to just listen presents itself. It is amazing to watch body language change and tension fade when someone opens their ears with compassion.
The extra efforts shouldn’t be limited to cranky people. Everyone needs a “happy” boost once in a while. Why limit kindness and helpfulness to one day a year? “Is There Anything I Can Do” by Sol Gordon describes situations where frustration and fatigue could be mitigated by a helpful friend. “The Art Of Hugging; A Heartwarming Guide To Everyone’s Favorite Gesture Of Love”, a book by Brainard Carey, has caricatures to go along with reasons to convey feelings of comfort and understanding.
Desmond Tutu writes that “it’s in our DNA to help our brothers and sisters” in his book titled, “Made For Goodness”.
Perhaps the best result of stepping out of your comfort zone to help someone else is that little sparkles of kindness grow all around while you plant happy moments for a garden full of smiles.
