Random Acts

Too often, we get caught up in our own lives and ignore the people around us. Be they family, friends or strangers, these people comprise our social support network. How we treat them has a direct impact on how we are treated in return. Some call it karma, some call it the golden rule, others just call it being nice to people. It is amazing how a small, seemingly insignificant act of kindness can have a profound impact on someone else. It could be something as small as holding the door for someone with their hands full or letting someone into a busy lane of traffic. It can even be a simple smile at a stranger. It doesn't matter how big or how small the act is, it is the intent that matters. People often get so used to others being indifferent or rude that a kind gesture can really stand out in someone's day. Random acts of kindness hold the power to make a person's day, week or even year.

Here are some ideas for how to sprinkle random acts of kindness into your daily routine.

• Don't leave home without it - Make sure to do something nice every day before you leave the house.
• Pick up the tab - Offer to pay for the coffee/meal of a stranger. Can be anonymous or not. Your choice
• Send a thank you note - This can be done for any number of reasons; a gift, an invitation, or just to say "thanks for being you." Corny, I know.
• Smile - Flash those pearly whites at anybody and everybody. Some won't notice but for others it will brighten their day.
• Help out - Do something around the house, office or in public that it not your responsibility. If you see a piece of trash on the sidewalk, throw it away. If you don't normally make dinner, do so. The options are limitless.
• Volunteer - Whatever form this comes in, it is rewarding for both you and the people you are helping

Kindness can make you feel better and brighten people's day. Try and do at least one kind act every day for a week straight. See what happens.

Have a great week,

Jack

PS - Week #1 of the hydroponic tomato plant project: the plant has not shriveled up and died, so a success thus far.

Try something new. . . again.

I know I've talked about this before, but learning new things never gets old. Sometimes it's good to practice what you know and other times it's good to try something new. Today I tried something new: hydroponic growing. I planted a tomato plant and some tomato seeds in a single five gallon bucket with an air pump that keeps the water oxygenated. The plants are nestled in a bed of pebbles that sit just above the water. I had a good time getting my hands dirty.  I also learned a few things:

• Gardening takes patience. I am a man that likes instant gratification.  Growing is the opposite of that. It will be months before I see the fruits of my labor.
• Making something grow is pretty simple. All you need is light, water, nutrients and TLC. Or so the guy at the gardening supply store said.
• Cats are inherently interested in plants. That is now the number #1 threat to the future of these tomatoes. Not lack of food or water, not natural disaster, not my lack of experience. Our evil cat.

So not many actual gardening lessons learned on day one, but I'm sure I will have feedback after the first cycle. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited.

Trying new things is fun. You learn new skills, get to practice valuable traits (for me, patience) and may even get some delicious homegrown tomatoes. Maybe.

Jack

PS - These are growing on my balcony so my cat can either eat the plants or knock the whole contraption to a three story fall.