There is a “week”  for everything anymore, but of course I’m all for this particular week. If just one person does one nice deed for another,  mission accomplished!

I’m a believer that deep down inside everyone wants to be nice. Each person wants to do the right and good thing. It makes us feel better. I’m pretty certain that readers of my blog are the same people that each day enact several random and not-so-random acts of kindness. This blog post is especially for you.

First – THANK YOU. Thank you for being the ray of sunshine in a person’s day. You may or may not know the recipient of your kind act, but either way, you need to know that you are making a difference. As little as it may seem to you, it may mean the world to another person. You are making a difference!

Second, I want to hear from each of you one random act of kindness your have demonstrated or have received. Your thoughtful act may inspire someone else. If you aren’t already a fan on Facebook, please “like” the Etiquette For Everyday page. Post it on the Facebook wall or as a comment under this blog post.

As my small way of saying thanks to all of you Bright Rays of Sunshine (yes – add that title to your resume!), I’ve shared with you a parable many may know. The Starfish Story reminds us that our little acts of kindness may be “no big deal” to us, but imagine the impact if we each did “no big deal” each day.  And THAT my friends is a happy thought!

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked, What are you doing?

The youth replied, Throwing starfish back into the ocean. 
The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.

Son, the man said, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said
I made a difference for that one.

Mind Your Manners and Spread the Sunshine,

Kelly

Traffic. Slow drivers. Fast drivers. I’m late. Construction. Gotta get home. Now! STRESS!!!

In any situation, as stress increases, civility decreases.

I’m a waver. Will you please be a waver with me? Next time someone lets you merge, please wave. When you have your turn signal on in bumper to bumper traffic and a car lets you into their lane, please wave. Did a car stop for you so you can pull out on the road? Please wave.

I’m not advocating reckless one-hand driving with overly enthusiastic waving. Just a quick acknowledgment that some anonymous person did something nice for you.

It’s so simple, yet so uncommon.

Mind Your Manners,

Kelly

My current read is  The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. This cool little book details Gretchen’s one-year intentional focus on happiness. As I read, the connection between happiness and what  Etiquette For Everyday is all about couldn’t be more obvious. And it is exciting!

It is well-researched that those who are happiest have strong social bonds.  I’m forever reminding that etiquette is about “relationships, not rules.” Whether I’m teaching communication skills, business or social etiquette, dining etiquette or first impressions; speaking to the young or old(er) – my goal is to provide others with the confidence and comfort level to make connections.  Real, live, human connections!

During the month of June, Rubin’s monthly happiness focus is “Make Time For Friends.”  My favorite month in the book! Her action steps include:

• Remember birthdays. Through this, you continue to be connected to others.
• Be generous. Help people think big. Bring people together. Cut people slack.
• Show Up. Make time for your relationships. No time = no friends.
• Don’t Gossip. See my last blog post for assistance with this point.
• Make three new friends. This action focuses your efforts on making a positive first impression and spending time getting to know others.

As you go about your day, focus on making others happy. It’s a guarantee that you too will feel happy.

Be great. Act great. Feel great. Even on those days when you may not feel like it. Fake it until you feel it. People want to be around those who are positive.

Nurture the important relationships that make life meaningful. It’s what you leave behind.

Treat others with kindness, courtesy and respect. Make connections. It’s what etiquette is all about.

My thanks to The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Please visit the site, become a fan on Facebook and receive her blog. Be happy!

Mind Your Manners,

Kelly