Do Good – Part 2: Do Unto Others

In elementary school we were taught The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s a pretty basic concept; treat others how you wish to be treated. It doesn’t matter what religion you are or aren’t, it’s sound advice.

In part 1 of this post I asked, “What have you done good for yourself lately?” Part 2’s question is, “What have you done good for others?”

That’s a rhetorical question.

There are many ways to do good for others, here are a few to try:

Be kind to someone who doesn’t deserve it. It’s easy to be nice to people we like, but not so easy to be nice to people we don’t like or people who don’t like or are rude to us. Sometimes those people are the ones that need kindness the most. Try to show them a little grace. You might even turn those people into friends. Stop by to see an old friend or family member that you haven’t talked to in a while. Think about relatives and friends who are widowed, ill, or in nursing homes. If you can’t visit, give them a call. It can make a huge difference in someone’s day, and life even, to know that other’s care. Donate. Clothes, money, blood–whatever you feel led to do. You could go through your closet, or do a house declutter sweep, give money to St. Jude’s, an animal shelter, or whatever organization you prefer. Take some books you’re finished reading and give them to the little free library. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, just do what you can. Volunteer. Homeless shelters, animal shelters, volunteer fire departments, and community projects are a few places to consider helping out. It could be a once-in-a-while thing or something more regular. It doesn’t have to be for an organization, either. You could volunteer to help a neighbor or friend with a move or mowing the grass or whatever. Pay for the order of the person behind you in line if you’re able to. A kind soul did this for me once. I was having a rough day and had stopped with two rowdy kids to stand in line at a restaurant. I was busy wrangling them and was shocked to find out that our meals had been paid for. I didn’t get to thank the gentleman, but I did pay it forward and get the meal of the person behind me. That small act of kindness brightened my day. Teach someone something. Or ask them to teach you something. Maybe you are good at painting and your friend wants to learn. Or your aunt likes to crochet and could show you how. You could teach your kid to play chess. The possibilities are endless. Taking time to teach and learn from others builds relationships and helps keep your brain young. Be courteous. Open the door for the folks behind you. Let the older lady or gentleman ahead in line. Smile at someone and give them a compliment. If you see someone struggling to get something off the shelf, offer to help. Forgive. This one can be hard to do, especially if the person you’re to forgive isn’t sorry. Forgiving doesn’t change what the person did, but it allows you and them to move on. It may help you more than them by keeping you from turning bitter and angry. But I try to give everyone a second chance.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are a gazillion (Is that a real number?) ways to do good. It’s best to do these things quietly and without expecting anything in return. It’s not about making yourself look good, it’s about genuinely helping others from your heart. That’s where it’s at. When you do good for others, you’re doing good for yourself, too. It will bring you joy each time you help or are kind to someone.

It’s easy to get caught up in our lives, so it feels like we don’t have the time to do good for others. But I’d like to encourage you to give it a try.

I hope y’all have a blessed day. Keep lookin’ up.

~T