Lift Someone's Spirits Today

Remember how nice it is to feel someone’s helping hand? How good it is to have someone wish you well, to ask after you, or show you a kindness?

Who could you pay that forward to?

‘Paying it forward’ was a buzz phrase some time ago. It simply means to show the same thought and consideration to another.

It’s often the unexpected kindness that has the most impact.  Whilst we like to receive tokens of appreciation from others, there may be those, perhaps a little distant from your usual circle of colleagues or those you come into contact with who would appreciate your kind thoughts and gestures.

My Father was always keen to remind us to consider everyone – the bus drivers, the washroom cleaners – anyone, no matter what help they had given us.  Everyone deserves our thanks.

We can’t all pay for coffee for the next in line, or pay their toll fee (as I know some do), for instance, but we can give our thanks, perhaps tip a little, or on a subsequent interaction offer a small gift in exchange for their kindness and care.

Is there someone you’re likely to come across today who would welcome a lift? Who is there you could thank with a kind gesture?

Be unexpected. Think outside the box. Anticipate those whose paths you might cross. Be kind and think how a few kind words might help someone’s mood today.

Set yourself a challenge to lift the spirits of each person you come into contact with. It doesn’t take much. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand.

None of us knows the lives of others. Your kindness today could change their day, and their tomorrow.