Encourage one Another. Add something good.

Following on from my last post on New Years Day...  and from the general consensus that 2024 was pretty challenging,  I wanted to come up with something extra I could do that would be encouraging.  

Now how we give and help others is largely a private thing.  Or should be.  You see on social media people filming themselves doing something kind and reaping praise.  Then these people give each other awards lol.  So I don't want to go down that road.  Also... I don't give to any charity that has a CEO with a multimillion dollar salary.  My gift probably wouldn't pay for their luxury car to be polished.  I am just talking about building each other up and encouraging one another, doing what we can.

Vicky mentions to me sending "happy mail."  So I jumped on that as it is a lovely way to put it! Mail for no particular purpose other than to brighten someones day!   I love to write and I like card making.  Very often when I'm tired from work outside I need something I can do inside ie today it is really hot so I have a quieter day...  I decided this year I will write at least one happy mail card or letter each week,  just so someone has something nice, that is not a bill, in their letter box... that is pretty and cheerful.  Like a little gift.  

I have made up a box of cards,  stamps, small items to pop into an envelope, stickers... so when I have a minute I can grab that and select a few things to put together ready to post.

It occurred to me that it would be beautiful to write regularly to Grandchildren if they were not close by.  I I remember when I was four or five someone posted me a gift in the mail.  It was so exciting!   I used to write my Nana letters and call her on the phone every Sunday.  We saw each other a lot too but there were three hours between us. 

As I make cards I have just heaps.   So this is something I can just add to my week pretty easily.    If we make a conscious decision to do more to bless others it will no doubt come back and bless us.   And there are so many possibilities.    It might be just to decide to always smile and thank people.  It might be to use a talent or resource you have that you can share something.  It could be to bake something and share with a neighbour.   I know some of the things that I have been blessed with lately like being given lemons and small acts of kindness I have appreciated.   So it could be anything and if you are not sure a sure fire way to go is to pray that God will show you who or where to help and how!  Ask and you shall receive! 

Small acts of kindness don't have to cost a thing.   A genuine compliment, a warm smile... all free.

Helpfulness is a gift.  So is keeping someone company.  Picking up the groceries, feeding the cat when the neighbours are away...   neighbourly things,  they are all little acts of kindness that help and encourage someone.  Noticing is a gift.  Seriously, these days, noticing someone is always on time, always generous, always doing something for others...  just saying that you noticed is a thing!  

I am sure you are all doing so much already.  You have most certainly encouraged me especially since Andy's death.   I just noticed my routine has changed, this is some little thing I could include in my week and to do it I just needed to set up a kit to make it easy and to remind me.  All these things look so pretty together that I've made it fun for myself as well!

The new year is just a good time to decide to do something different,  to add something or to take something away.  Add goodness and take away something negative!   We need it. The world needs it.  

Oh my gosh taking away and adding are a whole new subject.  It is years since I took away coffee and cake at a cafe and bought half price pantry items instead and built a pantry.  Did you know in Australia is cost $420 a week to smoke a pack a day of cigarettes?  Imagine swapping that with something good!  (Just a random fact I thought of!)  On that note most of the vices are costly and that money could be used for good.   But I better get off my soapbox and do good myself! xxx