The One With The 5 Acts of Kindness.

So our exercise 1 in Positive Psychology was due this week. I realize you don't really know what this means...so let me explain. We had to choose from a list of about 10 exercises that we would do and then write a paper over and report back in class. You were supposed to choose 2 of them, and then write only about one of them.

The first one I did that I didn't write about was called a Gratitude Diary. I was supposed to write down 3 good things that happened that day for a week. This ended up being a little harder than I thought. However, I started realizing that even focusing on the little things that were good in the day, which sometimes was the only really good thing for the day (like coming home to Noah), was actually really special. Sometimes it's easy for us to focus on the negative that happened and coming to the realization that there are a lot of small good things that happened that we never focus on helps your mood. Even just noting that you got up and made it to work on time can be seen as a good thing that day. So I encourage you all to start thinking about all of the good in your life, but I know it's not easy, and it's something that I struggle with everyday.

The exercise I did write and talk about in class was called 5 Acts of Kindness. I was encouraged to show 5 acts of kindness in 5 days. This exercise jumped out at me, because I always tend to try and do kind acts for people I love. When I'm in a relationship, I really like surprising my boyfriend with his favorite candy, etc. so I was very exciting to do this. I chose to do these five acts:

1. I brought homemade cookies to my class. I was actually scared no one would want them and/or like them, but they ended up being a hit. I am considering bring some other treat to class next week. 
2. I gave an edible arrangement to my sister and brother-in-law. They do a lot for me, like take me on AWESOME trips (countdown to Key West: 47 days), and I wanted to show them my appreciation, because I really do appreciate everything they do for me. They take good care of me. 
3. I gave my dad a birthday present even though he told us not to. I gave him a wine bottle with a picture of us on it for the label, and I took him out for lunch and actually paid for it myself. He tends to think he's only loved because he's the money-maker, and that is just so far from the truth, so I wanted to show my appreciation towards him. 
4. I gave a homeless man some cash. I'm pretty cynical when it comes to this. I don't like doing it honestly, because the chances are that cash is going to go towards alcohol or drugs. I also think they need to stop being lazy and try and find a job at McDonald's or something. BUT I decided this was the perfect act then for me, because it doesn't matter where that money goes, I did something kind and in reality it is God's money. I just prayed before that God would bring good to the money instead of bad. 
5. Finally, I did one of my favorite things. I drove to Chick-Fil-A (no that's not the favorite thing, but it is pretty damn good), and paid for the person's meal behind me in line at the drive-thru. I love doing this because it truly is an act of kindness that you aren't asking for a thank you or recognition. This one always makes me feel really good inside because I'm not doing it for me in the slightest, and if I get the chance, I like to leave a little card that has something about God's love on it so it can glorify Him, instead of me. 

So anyways, I encourage all of you to start doing more kind acts. Sometimes it's hard to not be lazy and go do them, but it really is worth it. It allowed me to focus on being kind to others instead of focusing on the negativity in my life and in return, I felt happier. So go do a good deed today, even if it's small.

Ross: Y'know what, I am gonna be happy this year. I am gonna make myself happy.
Chandler: Do you want us to leave the room, or?
Ross: Everyday I am gonna do one thing that I haven't done before. That my friends is my New Year's resolution.
Phoebe: Ooh! That's a good one! Mine is to pilot a commercial jet.
Chandler: That's good one too, Pheebs. Now all you have to do is find a planeload of people who's resolution is to plummet to their deaths.
Phoebe: Maybe your resolution is to not make fun of your friends, especially the ones who may soon be flying you to Europe for free on their own plane.
Monica: She has a better chance of sprouting wings and flying up your nose than you do of not making fun of us.
Ross: In fact, I'll bet you 50 bucks that you can't go the whole year without making fun of us. Eh, y'know what, better yet? A week.
Chandler: I'll take that bet my friend. And you know what, paying me the 50 bucks could be the "new thing you do that day!" (Ross looks at him.) And it starts right now!