You have exactly five minutes until you have to be at work. As you look at your watch and scurry into the checkout line, you say to yourself, “I knew I shouldn’t have gone to the store before work.” Out of nowhere, the lady standing in front of you turns around with a smile on her face and softly says, “You can get in front of me.” Suddenly you have a new found appreciation for the humanity in special people like her.
Why is it that it seems so rare for anyone to do things like this anymore? I know when somebody holds the door for me, especially if it is inconvenient for him or her, it makes me feel really good. I feel like our society isn’t as selfish as it seems. That little bit of hope makes all the difference in the world in knowing that there are good people out there.
People are getting so caught up in jobs, money, material objects, and themselves that the kindness in our culture seems to be evaporating. What happened to doing good deeds and having courtesy, and the feeling that arises from acts of kindness?
I know that when I try to be polite and do an act of kindness, I get this high that just makes me feel so happy. When you smile, endorphins are released, and endorphins make you feel good. The world needs more endorphins.
If we all put just a tiny bit of thought into doing little things for strangers, or for anybody, this world would be a better place. It is the simple things in life that make me smile; the little things people do for each other. Believe it or not, you can brighten someone’s day just by telling a stranger, “I like your purse,” or by simply smiling at them. Any act of kindness goes a long way, even witnessing an act of kindness can make you smile.
It takes just a little to make someone’s day. If everyone started doing this, people would be happier and we would get along better. So next time you see somebody who looks like they are having a bad day, smile at them, and they will probably smile back.
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11 comments:
I thought your essay was good. It actually made me smile thinking about how nice it would be if people started doing these kinds of things for each other. The only thing I would change would be to maybe combine the third and fourth paragraph because they seem alittle short. If not, then maybe add a sentence of two to each to make it alittle longer. Good job though!
I love your attitude. I have one example which explains it all for me: when the car in front of you gives you the wave for letting them in. It gets me all giggly inside just to think I did something nice and it was acknowledged. Happiness is contagious! That guy was happy I let him in and I am happy he realized it. Boom: two happy people just like that. I love how you start with a story. I can’t remember the last time someone let me go in front of their cart full of stuff when I was just getting some toothpaste.
I thought this was a good essay. It's true that doing something simple for someone else is easy and makes you feel good. I really think that people will take this essay to heart and try to make someone's day a little brighter. I'm not sure what your word count was, but maybe try to make it a little longer and elaborate on a few things.
Nadia,
I will agree with the others - essay was very good, but I want to hear more. More specifics from more events and occurrences that make you happy. Your attitude is right on - positive and optimistic without the neediness. Very hard to achieve. I feel every strongly that more specific examples and details of them will further strengthen your essay because it will explain more about you and who you are. When I read these essays, I really just want to find out more about someone, who they are, what makes them tick. You have identified all of those things and very clearly - now you just need to expound upon them. It will draw the reader closer to you and your simple, sweet message.
I thought you had a very good essay. I have always noticed when you walk by someone and say hello how much more friendly people can be then if nothing is ever said or even a head nod. I would add a little more to really make your points near the end of the essay.
I really like your essay. It definitely does change my mood if random strangers smile at me or compliment something, and we need more of that. As far as holding the door open, I always thought that was just common courtesy, but it amazes me how often you'll walk somewhere and someone will open the door for themselves when you're right behind them and they just walk in and completely disregard you. That drives me nuts...it happens all the time in the commons, and it's usually the people who also have the ipod ear buds in their ears...
I liked your essay because it is self evaluating and inspiring. Also, I liked your paragraph that explains why a smile is so uplifting when you talk about the endorphins; very clever! I would just specifically include what makes YOU happy. Other than that, very good post! :-D
I really like your essay. It really is amazing how simple gestures like holding a door for someone can impact their day. In terms of improvement I would just go into more detail on some of the points you make. Great job overall.
You bring up some really great points, but if only.=( Cute endorphin paragraph, you biology major.
However, I feel like you can go a little deeper with your essay to show readers why you feel that way. Make them want to change.
I love the beginning story in your essay, it really drew me in. I agree that the little courtesies make a difference in your everyday life. While I really like your essay, you didn't clearly state your belief. S few closing lines about your belief would be a suggestion I have for adding to the essay.
I cannot agree more with your post! I liked the way that you began with a short, relevant story; it truly painted the picture for the rest of your essay. We all have instances where strangers have been able to make our day; I feel as though these are too few and far between though. But change starts with each of us, so it may be an admirable goal to get this ball rolling. Do you have any examples of something YOU have done to bring a smile to a stranger's face?
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