Have you ever had one of those moments where you are left feeling so inspired that you want to go run out into the streets and throw out $20 bills to everyone? Lol. Ok, so maybe that wasn’t my initial thought, but I’ve been so inspired lately by reading One Good Deed by the talented Erin McHugh that I do hope to do more lovely things to those people around me who mean so much and also to those of you I have yet to meet. Erin McHugh’s book is exactly as she states on the cover: 365 days of trying to be just a little bit better.
I’m about 150 pages in and have discovered we have two things in common. The first and most important one is my love for hot dogs! Second, neither us are a fan of camping. Erin says it best: “I believe that if God really wanted people to go camping, he would not have invented hotels. Everyone knows that’s why He created the bear: to discourage camping.” Best quote ever! (page 46 for those of you think I made this quote up). One Good Deed has these incredibly honest thoughts about everyday occurrences and Erin manages to find a way to see golden opportunities in everyday interactions with friends, family, co-workers, the barista she frequently interacts with, and even customers at the book store she works at.
Her daily acts of inspiration are funny, thought provoking, and will encourage you to find your own way to ‘be a little bit better’.
Here is my own my mini version and I hope to inspire some of you. Fingers crossed Erin reads this and leaves me a comment! *Update- Erin was kind enough to send me a tweet:
“Terrific, Bindi — thanks so much, and kudos to you on your ONE GOOD DEED journey!”*
Do the right thing.
Have you ever been in line at the your local grocery or convenient store and it’s complete chaos. Everyone has just got off work and the lines are endless and there’s always one person who tries to cut the line. This person doesn’t just cut one person but somehow manages to surpass a minimum of 3 people in line and all the people who were once behind them are now just shaking their heads or giving the necessary death stare. I work part time at one of these places and make a point to loudly turn to the offender in front of all of those they just jumped ahead of and state ‘Excuse me sir- you just went ahead of all these people who have been waiting. I’m sorry but I have to ask you to go to the very end of the line.’ Jumping ahead in any line is just plain rude. Stand up if you see someone do this.
Put a smile on a child’s face.
I was at a store recently and this sweet boy came in (of course he doesn’t want to be sweet, but cool) and put down a a roll of Necco Wafers on the counter. You know the ones- colorful candies wrapped in what looks like parchment paper. “Oh man, these are more than a dollar? I only have a dollar.” How much was the total you ask- $1.19. So I rummaged in my purse and found a quarter and just as he was walking away after putting the candy back I called out to him and said “Here’s a quarter. You’re all set.” The boy just light up. It was truly the best value my quarter could have ever given me.
Friendship’s are about encouragement and support no matter what your choices.
I’ve been through some not so fun times lately and was recently touched beyond words by a friends sincere and unexpected card that arrived in the mail. I must state that I just simply adore and get so excited to receive mail. Actual mail- not the community bulletin, or the unnecessary coupon paks- but real mail from people you know with handwritten notes. My dear friend sent me such a thoughtful note full of love and above all made told me how much she cherished me in her life and even found a way to make me feel I had a mini cheering squad in my corner. This is true friendship.
Love matters. Extend your hand.
Have you ever seen someone you love sad, or maybe just having a bad day? I’m someone who just cannot bear silently watching someones internal anguish overflow and affect their lives. I must intervene, immediately! Some of you might think oh she’s one of those- just can’t leave a person alone. Proudly I say yes I am! I will do and say whatever it takes to get a smile. Why? Because love matters and support, endless heart, and understanding the inner corners of the others heart and mind is what makes the difference between friend and lover. Accept any opportunity to show more love.
