A feather on your path - The joy is in the giving

Find a way to give something kind, helpful or useful to someone today. Don't overthink it.

The what - 

This doesn't have to be a big gesture or cost a penny. In fact, a small act of kindness or a thoughtful gesture can make all the difference. Maya Angelou once said, "I have found among its other benefits that giving liberates the soul of the giver," and she couldn't be more right. Maybe you open a door for someone, or buy your friend a coffee. Even just making someone laugh is a gift of happiness. So find a way to give someone the gift of kindness today. 

"I have found among it's other benefits that giving liberates the soul of the giver" - Maya Angelou

The Why -

Being kind to others and feeling that we have given something back makes us feel cheerful, as well as benefiting the world around us.

Research at the University of Manchester has determined that we enjoy getting a ‘helper’s high’ . Basically by undertaking an act of kindness, we stimulate the release of neurochemicals in our brain’s reward centre. This not only improves our emotional well-being but has even been found to reduce stress in the long term.

As the feeling of a 'high' can be addictive, this is also the case with feeling a 'helper's high' but without the hangover! (Yes please!) So basically the more you help, the more you want to help. Wonderfully, this can also become contagious to others, creating beautiful ripples of kindness in our world.

The trick is to find what works for you. 

Maybe donating to charity makes you feel uplifted? Maybe it doesn't so much because you don't see the direct impact. That's okay, there are plenty of other ways to spread joy that may resonate more with you. 

If like me, you're a bit of an awkward turtle and you struggle with social anxiety, then making big beautiful gestures can be difficult. Well, you don't have to make grand gestures or even say anything at all. A simple "thank you" post-it note left on a colleague's desk can go a long way.

Keep it simple.

A small gesture can make a big impact on someone's day so maybe next time you write 'thank you' in a text or email and you really mean it, also express the details of why it matters to you. Are you thankful they are such a good friend or a lovely colleague to work with? Then tell them. A personalised thank you means that little bit more than a general thanks.

It only takes one little gesture to make someone smile. So here are a few simple ideas of how you can give that gift of kindness today:

• Make a cup of tea for a friend or family member

• Make someone laugh

• Tell someone you know that you are proud of them

• Send a nice text or funny meme to a friend 

• Share an interesting article with someone you know has an interest in that subject

• Lend your ear - listen to your colleague who is having a bad day

• Invite someone to lunch to get to know them better

• Bake a friend a cake

• Call someone you haven't spoken to in a while, just to say 'Hi'

Make it easy.

We tend to focus on what is obvious and closest to us, so by all means use that to your advantage. You don't need to try and solve the world's greatest problems or become the next Gandhi by Tuesday or anything. Just take the time to observe others around you.

You might surprise yourself by picking up on tension coming from someone who is stressed and needs a cuppa or a hug. You might see something that you hadn't really noticed before was causing someone an issue, that you can easily fix. Just focus on the obvious, the simple, the easiest little things you can do to brighten someone's day.

"The little things amount to big things" Robin S Sharma

The wonderful thing about these little gestures of kindness is that they tend to spread positive vibes. It's not just that the joy can be in the giving of a gift or an act of kindness but it will often create a ripple effect in your environment. Maybe a happier office to walk into or a chirpier meal around the family dinner table tonight.

All because of just a little something you give, you bring joy to yourself and others around you.

The Who -

'The Joy is in the Giving' is an exceptional piece of advice, often said by my wonderful Dad, who found so much joy in the giving of gifts and the sharing of his time. 

So try to find a way to give some kindness to someone today and enjoy the feelings of joy that come from the act of giving. 

Lou @ Feathered Paths Xx