One of the things we have practiced in our house since we ourselves were children is ‘random good deeds’.
We taught our children, and now our grandchildren to be kind (of course) but random good deeds are a lot of fun and can be a really cheap way of bringing joy into another person’s life. These don’t have to be costly – “Free” deeds like, for example, taking someone’s shopping trolley back for them when they no longer need it (this is especially kind if they have a car with small children in, or are elderly). Or it can be something like paying for someone’s coffee – the sky is your limit with only your imagination (and your spare cash) can stop you. We never do it for reward, only for the pleasure of doing something good for another human 😊
The Good Deeds Game.
So here’s how it goes – I challenge my granddaughters to watch out for things they can do every day: it should be something that you wouldn’t always do for someone (holding a door, thanks people, etc).
Then we keep a tally of how many good deeds they do in one outing. It really makes you think about what is normal behaviour and what is “going the extra mile”. Since COVID this game has (sadly) changed slightly. Some things were impossible to do over this time and, sadly, since then it has become “normal” situation to not interact at all, and often brings extra surprise and joy at the action. You never know – Your kind interation, your thoughtful deed… It could be that person’s ONLY contact during a day. Even a smile at a stranger can make a huge difference.
Doing it “for Gracie”.
This little story is why I started my ‘good deeds’ campaign, and have taught my children and grandchildren to do the same.
Many, many years ago when my eldest son was just a baby, and my finances were stretched to the limit I met an incredible lady who changed my outlook on life and changed my behaviour forever. One day I was in the local village shop and had put some basic items in my basket. Times were rather hard and I was already upset because I had not been able to get my son a small 15p bar of white chocolate.
When I came to pay I was still short of the amount I needed for my shopping. I was distressed and embarrassed and started frantically putting my shopping away rather than hold others up. From behind me a hand reached through and briefly held mine – they were holding a £5 note and the stranger insisted on paying for my shopping despite my protests. I waited outside for them to again thank them, and to get some details so I could pay them back.
That was the day I met Florence, learned what an amazing lady she was, and heard her story.
Florence lived alone in my village. She was a member of several groups and was highly thought of by all. I had spoken to her on numerous occasions as she often said “hello” and asked how I and the baby were doing.
Florence’s story. Back in the war when Florence was a young woman, she had been married to a handsome man, and was the mother of a little girl called Gracie. Her husband, like many, had left to fight in the war, leaving her alone in London with her little girl. One terrible night Florence’s home was hit by a bomb, killing little Gracie.
Since then, Florence had made it her mission to help any young mother and child(ren) who were struggling. The only thing she ever asked was that, when and if I got a chance, I paid it forward.
I have been paying it forward ever since, helping other families in the names of Florence and Gracie…
I was friends with Florence for many years after, till she finally joined her beloved husband and Gracie. I think she would have loved to know that her legacy of kindness to strangers continues.
By all means, like me, when you do these kindnesses, feel free to “do it for Gracie”, and help this live on.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou, Memorist and Poet