Sometimes, we can focus so much of our energy to create positive feelings and energy in our own lives that we may forget to pass that positivity along to those around us. Take out some time out for the people we love.
Let’s brighten their lives! Here are five easy ways to do it.
1. Send a handwritten Thank You note
Many people underestimate the power of the hand-written thank you note. With all of the emails and social media messages we receive every day, sometimes a hand-written thank you note is one of the best ways to let people know you appreciate their efforts. Purchase a stack of nice Thank You notes to have handy anytime. Even if it’s late, send a note. Don’t feel embarrassed. It’s better to send a late thank you than none at all.
2. Deliver a homemade care package
Care packages can be made for anyone you care about and want to show a little extra love to. It could be a college student, a soldier who is deployed or a friend who is grieving or sick.
You can include gift cards, books, magazines, movies, candy, popcorn, lotion, bubble bath and more. Consider labeling each gift inside with a post-it note, explaining why you chose to include it in the package.
Here are a few care-package making tips:
- Think about what the person loves, like chocolate, coffee, books, a journal, jewelry or lotion.
- Make a list of stuff you can make by hand, like a card, scarf or mittens.
- Remember, if you create a package with love the person receiving the goodies will feel the love.
3. Call up a relative or friend just to ask how they are.
Between emails, text messages, social media, work and home life many of us claim to be too busy to chat on the phone, although we have our phones attached to our hip all day. Take a moment to show someone you appreciate them or are thinking about them by picking up the phone to hear their voice.
4. Share a smile
A simple smile can go such a long way. Go ahead and flash those pearly whites to the next stranger you pass or the cashier at the grocery store. Smiling not only makes you feel better but it also can help the person receiving the smile. Go an extra mile if you can and give them a thoughtful compliment, while you’re at it.
5. Give away food
Whether it’s delivering a basket of seasonal fruits, veggies or herbs from your garden or baking your signature cookies, muffins, cakes or any dish. Food is a form of intimacy and shows you put time and thought into the gesture.
Bonus: Offer to run an errand
If someone you know is sick, having car issues or dealing with the loss of a loved one, they may need some help with errands. Offer to run their errands for them. You could also offer to take them somewhere. This doesn’t cost you much, except a little gas money and will certainly brighten someone’s day by lightening their load.
