5 Ways to Give Joy to Others

Most of us want to make this world a better place.  With all the demands on our schedules and the craziness of everyday life, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to do this. Taking on a long-term commitment to volunteer for a good cause might not be something you can sign up for right now but know that there are small, but significant ways you can still give joy to others. 

​Small gestures of kindness can cause a ripple effect.  Best part is that lifting others up can be super easy and doable, no matter how busy our schedules are! 

Here are five ways to give joy to others:

1. Smile

​Have you ever noticed that when you flash a big smile at someone, they can’t help but smile too?  Yes, smiling is contagious!  What’s so interesting to me, is that smiling doesn’t just make you more attractive on the outside.

Sure, that’s a bonus but apparently, scientists have found that when we smile, a bunch of chemicals are released in the brain that make us feel good, lower our stress levels and boost our immune system.  Studies even suggest that simply smiling can possibly prolong our lives. 

​So, today, make a conscious effort to look others in the eye and smile!  It’s good for both of you!

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You're not too busy to give joy to others! 
​5 Easy Ways: https://tinyurl.com/y34skvbg

2. Give a Compliment
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We all know it feels wonderful when someone gives us a compliment.  You can really make a positive (sometimes even lasting) impact on someone by sharing your genuine appreciation for something about them. 
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While it’s nice to give a compliment when someone wears a cute sweater you like or an eye catching necklace, compliments can be even more meaningful when they’re about an intrinsic value, such as friendship, a job well done, a skill, etc.

Also, turning your compliment from a statement starting with “I” into “you” can help the compliment be more powerful. 

Here are a couple of examples:
-  “I like your garden” vs. “You have such an amazing green thumb!  Look at how you made those flowers bloom!”
​- “I like this meal” vs. “You’re an awesome chef!”

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4. Make a Gift
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Instead of purchasing a gift at the store, try making a gift next time you have the opportunity. 
Handmade gifts are the best!  My friend is super handy with her sewing machine and has gifted me her crafty creations made out of the cutest fabric. These have been my favorite gifts!  No problem if you’re not into sewing, we all have our "gifts" in the other sense of the word!
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​Here are some ideas:
- arrange flowers from your garden in a cute vase
- paint watercolor greeting cards 
- use your pretty handwriting to create pretty gift tags
- record a song

If you’re super short on time, supporting small businesses that offer handmade gifts is the next best thing!  Large corporations don’t jump for joy when they receive an order like an etsy shop owner or artist will!

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3. Write a Letter
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Imagine.  You walk to your mailbox for the daily chore of emptying it.  Tucked in between the bills and junk mail, you find a hand written envelope from a friend.  Wouldn’t you feel instant joy at this unexpected and exciting discovery?  Wouldn’t this piece of mail be the first you can’t wait to open?  Writing letters or even a card by hand takes a bit of time but is a fabulous way to stay in touch with a far away friend while so much more joyful than a quick email.

5. Remember
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Remembering stories that connect us or memories that we’ve made together can bring a smile to our faces.  I’m the first to admit that this has not always been an area of strength for me but you can most certainly give joy to others by remembering special dates or even names.  I’m pretty good with names but dates…. I’m attempting to get better at this is by writing special dates in my planner.  Now I just need to look ahead and remember! Ha!

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Which of these joy giving ideas resonates most with you?  What compliment have you been given that meant a lot to you?  Any other ideas you’ve found to give joy to others?  I’d love to hear in the comments! 

If you enjoyed reading this blog post, it’d give me so much joy if you share it via the social media buttons. 
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​Thank you!

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