Altruism

I wonder what it would be like if we all paid attention to only the goodness in everyone we meet. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we focused on the things that people do well and on their positive attributes? Maybe we could take the time to pay at least one compliment to each person that we meet for an entire day.......

It sounds pretty simple and yet almost a fantasy as we live in a world that often works in the reverse. Every day we hear people criticizing others and searching for their flaws. Good intentioned individuals are scrutinized and pushed to reach unreasonable expectations, in their personal lives, at work or at school. Eventually, they are left feeling ungratified, unfulfilled and taken for granted.

Everyone deserves a kind word; even the grumpy elderly woman who pushes you aside at the cash register. You would be surprised what a smile and a kind gesture will do to turn her mood around. When the sales person doesn’t smile one day, you may be intrigued at how contagious a compliment can be.

Expecting perfection is an unrealistic approach to life. It dehumanizes people and devalues all of the great characteristics that lie beneath their want to please. Altruism is a gentler, kinder approach. Its root stems from the unselfish concern for the welfare of others. If we were all moved and motivated from this root, we would nurture people with love and their personalities would flourish.

Try it. Pick one stranger that you meet today, greet them with a kind word and a smile, and then pay them a compliment. I guarantee you will feel fabulous.