It Only Takes a Small Thing...

I was at the gym last night powering away on the elliptical when this commercial came on one of the TVs that was within my view. It's a longer advertisement for Liberty Mutual insurance - but the message is one that might as well make it a PSA (public service announcement).



I absolutely loved this commercial! The idea that just doing a small thing to help out a fellow human being can make a difference and cause a ripple effect is actually a huge idea when you think about it. Imagine if the domino effect of small helpful favors witnessed by others cause those people to be inspired to do something small to help someone else out. Imagine how that would grow the hearts of those doing the small acts of kindness, then how the hearts of those receiving the kindness would grow, and they would do small acts to others... and before you know it we're all just loving each other in all of these small ways.

Imagine the power of that much love spreading... imagine how much bigger it could get. Today you hold a door, tomorrow you hold a door AND help carry their bag, the day after you hold a door AND help carry their bag AND ask them how they're doing.

You see?

Attitude is contagious whether it's positive or negative. For example - if someone cuts you off in traffic because they're rushed and in a hurry, you get flustered. Then you get to work and are unable to focus because you clearly almost died the way that person cut you off, and your work doesn't get done so you get cranky. Then you snap at the person who you perceive is taking too long to get their coffee and you can't get yours. That person gets flustered and goes back to their desk, upset about how you acted. They in turn snap at their boss whose feelings are hurt... etc.

But positivity is contagious too. If you're in a room full of people who are laughing, joking, and having a good time - it's hard to stay negative for too long. When I come home in a rotten mood because of work, Steve has a great ability to act like a giant goofball and laugh until I join him... and my mood improves.

Kindness and generosity are the same way.

We should all be inspired by this two-minute advertisement. While I'm not inspired to purchase Liberty Mutual Insurance, I am inspired to become more aware of the people around me and how I can do small things to help them have a better day and an easier go at whatever they're doing. Will you join me in this quest to make the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time?