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Top 10 Dos to (help) Improve the World

11/12/2012

8 Comments

 
I was all ready to write a rant about my life. It seemed appropriate since the title of this site starts with the words, “So Mad…” However, as I began writing about how bad I think I have it, it occurred to me that everyone is dealing with his or her own types of bad stuff.

I then read that Nov. 13-20 is World Kindness Week.  It got me thinking about kindness, so I watched this fun video:

So, I decided to write my top 10 Dos that could help make this world a better place and maybe help us all to get along. Perfect timing and none of this is political, I promise.

1.     Do slow down. This is in general day-to-day life and also while driving. If you see someone walking, especially with a child, slow down and let them go first.

2.     Do hold the door open for people—all people. When I was pregnant, I was treated as if I were a princess by many strangers. But once my kids were on the outside of me, I was treated as if I were a menace. Pretend everyone is pregnant (smile).

3.     Do smile at people. Look them in the eye too. If nothing else, it will make them wonder what you are up to.

4.     Do be nice to all people in the service industry including restaurant servers, grocery workers and bus drivers. Chances are, they are working very hard at a very low hourly rate.  And they are probably dealing with a lot of other things, besides your immediate want or need.

5.     Do teach your kids that the most important trait is to be kind and generous. It’s more important to be kind and generous than it is to be smart, funny, rich or famous.

6.     Do give people a break. We all deserve it. I remember a few years ago I was running a few minutes late to a client meeting. I called ahead to let him know. The client said, “Take your time and be safe. Don’t rush. We’ll be here.” He didn’t pull a power card. I have always used his line ever since if someone is running late to see me. Really, what difference does it make?

7.     Do send nice e-mails. Never use all capital letters and exclamation points if you are upset.  Don’t “demand” or “require.”  Quench that fire if someone else has sent you a snippy e-mail. Use words like: Please, Thank you, I understand, I will try, I’m sorry, I misunderstood. Pretend your mother will read your e-mail and see if you still want to send it.

8.     Do have empathy. People need it all the time. And they don’t need help finding the bright side of a bad situation.  After my mother died, I had a peer write in a card to me, “At least you still have your boyfriend.” If you don’t know what to say, just say you are sorry for what they are going through. That always works. 

9.     Do say hello to someone (especially a child) with special needs or a medical condition. Look them in the eye. Ask his/her name and what they like to do. Even if they are nonverbal, they and their parents will appreciate you treating them like any other person.

10.    Do have faith that we can make this world a better place. This is not a dress rehearsal. We only get one shot at life, and apathy or cynicism will only waste our time here. So I’m going to try harder to make it better and I hope you will too.

I’m sure I’m missing some really great Do’s. Feel free to send them to me, so that I can add them to my life list. 

Here is to life and my attempt to leave the world better than I found it. To my beautiful children, kind and strong in unique ways. To my generous husband who always puts us first. To my wonderful, thoughtful and giving friends and family who have made me feel loved more than I ever thought possible. Thank you. 
My poem:

Kindness 

  An art 

 That is taught 

  From one to another 

  Humankind

8 Comments
Kem
11/12/2012 11:00:06 am

You amaze me, we are all so lucky that you share your life and writing with us. I want you to know what you say brightens my days and reminds me to be a kind and generous person. You have made a difference in my life, you lift me UP!

Reply
Mariah
11/12/2012 11:27:55 am

Love this list! Here's a do to add to your list: admit when you did something wrong. I think Dale Carnegie came up with it, but it's so helpful and productive to just admit fault and then quickly move on to the solution.

Reply
kristin
11/12/2012 11:30:37 am

No matter what the topic, I always look forward to reading your blog!

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Sharon Saddoris
11/12/2012 12:58:38 pm

Sarah YOU have always been on the list of Kind people that I am happy to have on my list of friends.

Reply
Vicki
11/12/2012 08:55:38 pm

Love you Sarah!!!!!

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Corey Knight
11/14/2012 07:04:42 pm

well said Sarah.

Reply
Joyce King
2/16/2013 01:44:25 am

Reply
Dee
11/12/2016 12:39:36 pm

Thanks Sarah. You and the video reminded me that we can only control ourselves. Time for me to remember that in light of the election. Hope you're doing well after yesterday.

Reply



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    Sarah Corkery is a mother of three, wife, friend and marketer. 

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