Be a giver and make yourself happy
When you think about Valentines’ Day, most of you think about your spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or that special someone you wish you were in a relationship with.
Valentine’s Day, however, is also a day to celebrate the special people who make a difference in your life.
We live in a very disconnected world, rushing through our day and often not thinking about how we affect others.
Then there are those author Joyce Meyer calls givers. These individuals are not martyrs who sacrifice their lives or needs. That would not be a healthy way to live, either.
A giver, however, chooses to encourage the people he or she comes in contact with.
They listen when you speak to them and they have a knack for making you feel that you are a very special person.
It really isn’t hard to reach out to people but many of us are afraid of being rejected, so we try to convince ourselves we prefer to be alone.
Whether you like it or not, you are a part of the many people you come in contact with.
It’s amazing how a smile, pat on the back or a friendly, “Good morning,” can affect others. And what is even more amazing is how it can affect you.
Showing kindness to others, especially on days when you are feeling sad or discouraged, will make you feel better.
It’s isn’t difficult to be a giver; all it takes is a little practice. Every chance you get encourage those around you. Be sincere and honest with your compliments.
Take the time to listen to others and not just talk about your problems. Look for the value in others and accept them for who they are.
In your workplace bring solutions, instead of complaints, be grateful for your job and challenge yourself to make improvements.
This Valentine’s Day take the time to let those special people in your life know how much they mean to you.
You can do this without sending a card or buying an expensive gift. All it takes is a smile, a hug and a few loving words.
“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow-being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again,” William Penn
Maria Luisa Salcines is a freelance writer, certified parent educator and parent coach with The International Network for Children and Families in Redirecting Children’s Behavior, Redirecting for a Cooperative Classroom, and Redirecting Corporate America. Contact her at her Web site at www.redirectingchildrenrgv.org.
