Never underestimate the power you have to make someone’s day. I’m going to speak from my own personal experience here. For me, it might be an email from someone special who says they’re thinking of me. Or it might be a comment on my blog that says how my writing has inspired them. Or…the big one for me is when someone gives me the huge gift of truly “seeing” me; it’s when they’re listening at a heart-level to what I have to say.
Each of those things took minimal effort on the part of the giver. But to me – it meant the world. And I don’t forget those kind little gestures of joy.
In thinking about your own circle – family, friends, colleagues, neighbors – whose day can you make today? Whose day can you make this week?
Pay it forward and share the love! There are two ways you can do it:
1) Make a list of the people who you’d love to spread a little joy to, and then decide what it is you can do to help them feel it. Then, go forth and make it so!
2) Go with the flow of the moment and spread the joy as you go about your day!
I like a combination of both. I know my cousin out-of-state would love to hear from me. And for me to sit down and have a good conversation with her would definitely brighten her day. That I need to plan and make happen. At the same time, I also love for those perfect moments to show up when the timing is just right. For example, when I receive great service at a restaurant – in the moment, I let the manager know.
Wanna hear the good news? Joy is like a boomerang. Toss it out there, and it comes back to you. Ten-fold. And it works every time. Before you begin, here are a couple articles that will inspire you as you get started:
A Sure-Fire Way to Increase Your Joy
You, Too, Can Make Someone’s Day
In closing, a great quote by Faber: “There are souls in this world who have the gift of finding joy everywhere and leaving it behind them when they go.”
Leave your mark today. Go make someone’s day!
I’m smiling just thinking of all the unsuspecting people who have no idea that your gift of joy is coming their way. 🙂
For more information about Michelle, be sure to check out our Inspiration Hosts page.
Ilga Cimbulis says
June 25, 2011 at 7:47 amI always say a big hello to the employees at my mom’s nursing home but today I genuinely complimented and thanked the ones I crossed paths with. Got me more in touch with how I appreciate them and what they do for my family.
Michele says
June 27, 2011 at 12:40 amThis sounds wonderful! I bet they appreciated hearing that!
Michelle Stimpson says
June 27, 2011 at 7:52 amHi Ilga, yay!!! My favorite phrases – “genuinely complimented” and “got me more in touch.” Yes, this is about being super “present” and letting the joy of the moment soak in. Good for you. Ripple effect started… 🙂
Michele says
June 24, 2011 at 8:00 pmThis is a great reminder. I’m going to work on this when I’m out and about this weekend!
Michelle Stimpson says
June 27, 2011 at 7:50 amHi Michele! I’ll look forward to hearing about how your weekend went as you stayed conscious and open to sharing the joy. Awesome!
Michele says
June 28, 2011 at 1:59 pmI spent the weekend with Kayla doing some fun things and one of the things we did was take our dog Sid to the dog park. Even though he isn’t a person, this was a new experience for him and he seemed to really enjoy it. It was a nice relaxing weekend for all of us with my focus being how can I make others happy around me:)
Michelle Stimpson says
June 29, 2011 at 4:25 pmSuccess! And fun for all involved. 🙂
Carmen Bruno says
June 24, 2011 at 6:23 pmLove this! Thanks the reminder. I am off to go spread the joy!
Michelle Stimpson says
June 27, 2011 at 7:48 amHi Carmen – fantastic! And what a thrill for those in your midst. Keep it going!