Why is it that some folks need a Hallmark holiday for the incentive to do something nice for someone else? They’ll max out their credit cards from Thanksgiving through Christmas. They’ll spring for flowers, chocolates, jewelry and fancy dinners with Champagne on Valentine’s Day. Every holiday has its own requirements, and there is a greeting card for every major occasion.
Those who know me are probably wondering why I’m ranting since I’m known for sending greeting cards all the time. I probably have a stack of 20-30 of them in my closet right now. I collect them all year long. When I see one I like or one that is perfect for someone I know, I buy it and save it for the appropriate occasion. In these days of e-cards and texting and social networking, people seem to enjoy receiving a real, hold-it-in-your-hand, display-it-on-the-coffee-table, greeting card with an added personal note. The point is that I send cards continually, not just on the big occasions.
An inaccuracy that prevents people from doing nice things all year long is that they think it requires huge amounts of time and money. However, nothing could be more untrue. This past week I became ill. Three people came to my rescue. One took me to my medical appointments. Another picked up groceries for me. A third fetched my prescriptions from the drug store. None of them seemed to mind since they performed other tasks while doing something really nice for me.
Even when I had recovered enough to return to work, a perfect stranger smiled at me as I was walking home at the end of an exhausting day. Suddenly, I felt much better than I had all week long. Now, I have to ask you, how much time and money does it take to smile at someone you don’t even know?
So here’s your assignment. Look for an opportunity this week to do something nice for someone that doesn’t cost a fortune, take a huge investment of time, or require a Hallmark holiday. In a few weeks, it just might become a habit.
What would you really enjoy receiving that doesn’t require huge amounts of time and money?
Do you think others might enjoy receiving that, too?
Are there people with needs around you that you could easily fulfill?
Why wait for the next Hallmark holiday to do something nice?
About David Bentley
David Bentley, M.Ed., is an avid observer of people, places and events. He uses his storytelling and questioning skills to help himself and others think outside the box in an ever-changing world.
Comments about his column can be sent to davidbentley@sanjuanislander.com
© 2013 David Bentley
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