Good Deeds

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are taught to care about others. They get a badge for doing a good deed. That’s good training, but when they become adults, they have to do the good deed without the promise of a badge.

Good deeds are usually very simple and quickly done. Most of the time, it’s a matter of showing respect for those around you.

Giving someone your seat on a bus is a common way to show respect. If it prompts conversation from the grateful soul, then listen. Listening to a chatty bus rider may not be what you want to do, but if that simple act for a few blocks can make someone happy, then you can go about your business knowing that person could be passing on to another the respect they received. People caring for people is a good virus to spread.

Today’s goal is: open the door for someone.

At the grocery store, the doors open automatically. But not at the dry cleaner, the post office, or the hair salon. Some buildings have heavy doors that open with great effort. How easy it is to stand at a restaurant door and let the next person out before you let go and head to your car.

Showing others that you care about them makes them feel better, and it sets a good example for witnesses of the thoughtful act.

Keep up the good work, and don’t forget to smile.