PERSONAL NOTE

Happy August 1st everybody.  Still, plenty of time left in the year to have fun, connect with people, and help make this mixed world a better place.  While you all know that I retired from my career in escrow I am still involved in that industry and serving this year as the President for the San Diego County Escrow Association.  I believe the appropriate phrase is "You can run but you can't hide".  I want you to know that I have the most amazing ladies serving as my officers and directors.  Mid July we volunteered at the San Diego Food Bank and worked on the assembly line ultimately packing 660 boxes that represented 23,100 pounds of food enough to provide 9,900 meals to be distributed to seniors throughout the community.  We worked hard in a way very different from running an escrow desk, then as well deserved we got some munchies and cocktails.  Exhausting and rewarding. 

  

 

ARTICLE

PLEASE BE PART OF THE SOLUTION-NOT THE PROBLEM

The Power of Kindness: Why Random Acts Matter

In a world that often feels fast paced and hectic, kindness can be a powerful antidote to the stress and negativity we encounter daily. It’s a simple yet profound way to make our lives and the lives of those around us better. Practicing random acts of kindness—those spontaneous, often small gestures of goodwill—can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver, creating ripples of positivity that spread far beyond the initial act.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Kindness is not just about the immediate effects of a thoughtful gesture. It’s about the ripple effect that spreads through communities and beyond. When you perform an act of kindness, whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee or helping a neighbor with their groceries, you’re not just brightening someone’s day; you’re also inspiring them to pay it forward. This chain reaction of goodwill can create a more connected, compassionate world.

Moreover, kindness has been shown to have psychological benefits. Acts of kindness can boost your mood and reduce stress, creating a sense of satisfaction and happiness that extends well beyond the moment of the act itself. It’s called the “helper’s high”—when you perform an act of kindness, your brain releases endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. This not only makes you feel good but can also reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.

Interestingly, even witnessing acts of kindness can trigger a similar response. Seeing someone else being kind can boost your mood and inspire you to be more compassionate yourself. In a way, kindness is a self-sustaining cycle that benefits everyone involved. It’s a win-win all around!

Simple Ways to Practice Random Acts of Kindness

You don’t need to plan grand gestures to make a difference. Simple acts of kindness can be just as impactful. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  1. Compliment Someone: A genuine compliment can brighten someone’s day and boost their confidence. It’s a small effort with potentially big effects.
  2. Write a Thank-You Note or text: Taking the time to write a heartfelt note of appreciation can mean a lot to someone who may not hear “thank you” often enough.
  3. Help a Stranger: Whether it’s holding the door open, offering directions, or assisting someone with their heavy bags, small gestures of help can make a big difference.
  4. Plant a Tree: Contribute to the environment by planting a tree or helping with local green space clean-ups
  5. Pay for a Stranger’s Meal: In a restaurant or coffee shop, anonymously cover the bill for someone else.

More to follow throughout August.

The Importance of Consistency

The real power of kindness lies in making it a consistent part of your life. It’s not just about performing one-off acts but integrating kindness into your daily routine. By doing so, you create a habit that not only benefits others but enriches your own life as well. It’s about fostering a mindset where compassion becomes second nature, and kindness is an integral part of how you interact with the world. 

COOL RESOURCE

I went on Amazon, and they have several books about Random Acts of Kindness and lots of other options, like stickers that your kids can use, kindness cards to pay it forward and another version to just spread the word about doing kind things for others. So, if you would like to check out any of these just type Random Acts of Kindness into the search box and find something that resonates with you. 

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Stay safe, healthy, and happy!

Coach Jan  

Jan Cerasaro
Jan Cerasaro Coaching