Fall is moving along, and winter sits just around the corner. Our daily rhythm changes a bit as the year winds down. Gorgeous fall colors change, and temperatures drop as daylight gets shorter. It’s easy to find ourselves spending more time indoors and less time outside or among friends.
November and December seem like the perfect time to intentionally warm someone else’s day. It doesn’t take much to put a smile on someone’s face. Reflect for a moment on some small acts that meant a lot to you or lifted your spirits.
I’m going to give myself a November and December challenge. Perhaps you’d like to join me. Once a week, let’s commit to doing something that makes another person feel a moment of happiness. This won’t be much of a challenge for many of you who already bring the sunshine wherever you go.
We don’t need lots of money to bring the sparkle with us. Time, attention, and even wisdom are assets we each possess. The years have taught us that being interested in someone else can be a gift in itself.
One idea that intrigues me is reaching out to old friends whom I’ve lost contact with. Maybe I’ll call or send a card. I’ve got some fun Oregon postcards for out-of-state buddies. They’ll be happily surprised when something postmarked Tualatin shows up in their mailbox.
Unexpected, but sincere compliments are easy to share. Ask someone how they’re doing and then really listen to their response. If a clerk, a receptionist, or anyone is especially helpful, you could take a moment to write a note to them or their supervisor. There’s really no end to easy ways to brighten someone else’s day.
I sometimes enjoy a lunch at the Pohl Center. Dan’s smiling face greets us as we enter the dining hall. Perhaps I should let him know I appreciate the time he spends volunteering. Judy is usually there. She’s always kind, welcoming, and cheerful. She makes small cloth hearts to share with others. I should make sure she knows how much I enjoy her. Who’s the president of your Tualatin CIO? Have you ever thanked them? It’s not difficult to think about the people around us and pinpoint why we appreciate them. The next step is letting them know.
Not that we do it for this reason, but making someone else happy boosts our own joy. Reconnecting with an old friend can stir up happy memories. Sticking a card in the mail will give you a happy heart because you know how much fun it is to receive unexpected mail that isn’t a bill. When you make someone else laugh, you’re almost guaranteed laughs in return. When you invite a friend for coffee, you get to enjoy their conversation and company.
As you notice the last leaves falling from the trees and feel winter’s chill, watch for your chance to brighten the world around you. Maybe we can’t do anything about the shorter days or the winter cold, but we can find a way to bring a little warmth to ourselves and others. Let’s get that heat going!
