I like doing good deeds when I can, and thought it might be nice if we posted good deeds to give others ideas. I used to do things like helping out family, friends, and even strangers with bills and other things they needed when I was able, but my situation has changed, so now I do other things. This isn't a thread to pat ourselves on the back for things we do, but is more for information sharing, to inspire others and brainstorm about ways we can do little (or big) things for others. I always feel better when I've reached out to someone, especially when they haven't asked for help. I don't like having to ask for help. I believe we were put on this earth to help others, and people shouldn't get to the point where they have to ask for help, unless the needs are not known. I try to anticipate the needs of others and help, so they aren't put in the situation of having to ask. I let a guy cut in front of me in the line today at Walmart. He acknowledged me, but didn't say thank you. The line took forever,for some unknown reason. The lady in front of me overheard me (he only had 2 items, we had more), and after a bit, she offered to let him cut in front of her. I offered to return a young mother's shopping cart to the corral in the parking lot, so she didn't have to leave her daughter in the car while she did it. She was very appreciative.
When at a grocery store with my wife, if I see a lady (young or older) trying to reach something on a top shelf, I will use my long arms to get it for her. If a lady is behind us as we go in a door, I will hold the door open for her. I sometimes say, "Missed my calling, should have been a Doorman at a 5-Star Hotel in New York" and that creates a smile from the lady.
I don't consciously do anything nice for people every day...I just be myself, and if that means opening doors, or helping people older or less able than myself to do something, then I do it without thinking about it.. I work full time for a Very well known worldwide International Charity..which for the purpose of this forum will remain nameless, so my whole life revolves around helping people less fortunate then myself...and I'm happy to be able to do it.
The first thing that came to my mind is the traffic which is always heavy during weekdays. My good driving habits include giving way to vehicles that change lanes. This is one of the most common annoyance on the road - drivers do not mind other drivers, they wouldn't give way to others like they own that piece of the road. And it's a nice feeling to see the other driver wave to me in appreciation of what I have done. But I only give way to private vehicles because drivers of public utility vehicles here are usually arrogant.
Like Holly, its natural to be helpful don't think twice about it We have a lot of elderly here and always keep an eye out for them
@Cody Fousnaugh As a short person, I very much appreciate any assistance in getting items off of shelves. I usually have to ask, although I do offer to get items off the shelves for those in scooters, etc. I have had to ask workers (after searching for one) to obtain items from the bottom shelves sometimes, as well, since my lower back issues usually prevent me from stooping/bending. Your comment would definitely make me at least smile, if not laugh . It's usually done without thinking on my part as well, but on occasion, I will look for a way to do something for another, to assist them and lift my spirits in doing so. @Corie Henson I despise heavy traffic, and remember well how stressful it was when I was rushing to get to the office, an appointment, or to a client's home. Since I no longer work, I enjoy being able to lighten someone's burden by letting them into the flow of traffic. Many drivers here act as if it's Rollerball and they're out for blood, and since I appreciate being let in, I like doing the same for others. So, we've got opening doors, assisting by getting items off shelves, letting people cut in line or the flow of traffic...are there any other ideas? I used to enjoy treating co-workers with coffee/tea and pastries, or bringing in homemade treats. I sometimes do that now for neighbors, and am collecting recipes for the holidays. Another would be to offer to house/pet sit and/or pick up mail when friends/neighbors go out of town. That's not the sort of thing you'd offer to do for strangers, of course.
As most of you do nice things for others so do I. When I see older people come on the bus I move to the back even though I'm a Senior Citizen already. There was a blind young man at the bus stop and he was talking on the phone to someone. When he stopped talking I told him he is at the bus stop...he asked what bus was that...just then 2 buses one going one coming engines could be heard. I told him what it was and what number they were...he was waiting for bus number 52. It came next and I told him...he got on and asked the bus driver if it was 52. He thanked me and I went on my way. It's the little kindnesses we pass along in the day makes the world a better place. Cooking my Mom's favorite foods that always brings a smile to her face is a priceless reward. So many things we do for our fellow man and seeing their smiles and thanks, is fine. Then when it comes back...like a nice person giving you their seat on the bus when you have heavy packages, or the nice customer service saying next time bring your receipt letting you go with returning a product or when you find a $20 bill right in front of you, yeah it's nice!
@Krissttina Isobe - so right, it is those 'little things' that make so much difference to our lives Someone smiling at me makes my day and if someone is thoughtful, it stays with me too So I am always ready to give that feeling back to others, hopefully it would make for smiley happy people
Just this summer I have been helping a senior neighbor who lives a few houses down from me by searching for items at the flea market. She has difficulty walking and can't stand or walk for long periods of time. I became acquainted through our grandsons.
I haven't ridden public transport (only because it's not available here...I'd love to be able to use it again) in years, but I still remember those little niceties I'd encounter sometimes, the gift of a seat when I was burdened with packages, or on a good low-pain day, giving up my seat so someone older/more infirm could rest. It truly is those little things that can make someone's day. When you mentioned a smile, I thought of how easily children and babies give us their smiles, and how nice it is to see. I think I'll try to do more of that.
Well, I help roomie with his groceries, and also take out all of the kitchen trash, even though he generates quite a bit himself, and generally wash his dishes. He has COPD so it is hard for him to do a lot of things. I throw coins in charity jars whenever I have them, but it is generally to support animal charities, since I like animals better than people. I could do more good deeds. I just try to be generally nice for the most part.
I'm one of those people that is just nice. I know this because everyone tells me that. Since I'm never in a hurry, I always let people in front of me in lines. I've told the story already of when we lived in Hungary and I had money to burn I bought my Romania housekeeper A studio apt in Romania so she had a home of her home. That's what she was saving for many years. Her husband was an alcoholic who killed himself many years ago. In dollars it wasn't a very huge amount but to het it was practically undoable. I did a lot for her grown kids also. They lived in Romania and were poor. A chainsaw for her son to help him make money cutting wood. Think I even bought a goat or pigs for him. Anyway, that's when I had money to burn...now I just do simple kind gestures....