How To Make A Difference

It’s easy to be kind. Would you like an easy way to do something kind for someone, and in doing so, benefit yourself as well? We have an easy exercise for you this week that will definitely make you happier and create a positive feeling for you and someone else.

Giving an encouraging word will make you happy as well as the person you are encouraging.  There’s good reason for you to make time to extend a little more kindness to those around you. Research shows that kindness…

• Reduces stress and releases endorphins
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps your outlook by perceiving others more positively
• Creates positive feelings
• Puts you into a position to likely get back

A simple way to show kindness and give an encouraging word to someone else is to do the “You Make A Difference” Exercise.

Instructions for the “You Make A Difference” Exercise:

Think about someone who has had a positive impact on your life and write a handwritten note of appreciation and send it to him or her.

An example of the powerful impact the “You Make A Difference” exercise:

“When asked to do the “You Make A Difference“ exercise, I wasn’t sure whom I was going to send my note to.  Then I thought about Coach Mayes, who coached my little league team, and I sent him a note.  Everyone loved Coach Mayes; he didn’t have any children of his own and donated many years of service coaching in our community.  He not only taught us how to play baseball but also taught us many life lessons and how to be a person of integrity.  I told him how much I appreciated him and that I would think of him often when faced with decisions that I needed to make.

I got this touching note back from him, and I am so glad that I took the time to send him a note of appreciation and thanks.”

Roger,

You will never know how much your letter means to me.  I am 81 now, and my wife and most of my friends are no longer with me and I have spent quite a bit of time reflecting back on my life. With no children of my own I have felt especially lonely and I have thought a lot of all my past players wondering how they were doing.

You were a joy to coach and I am happy to hear of your success and it overwhelms me that you feel that I could possibly have played a role in some of your decisions.  I miss coaching but had to give it up because I am not able to get around like I used to.  In all of my 20 plus years of coaching you are the first player to send me a note of thanks.  I had no idea that anyone was thinking of me.  I treasure your thoughts and words.  I have been reflecting on my life and was wondering if I have been able to make any difference.  Thank you so much, I have read and reread your letter many times.

Forever grateful,

Tom

“I couldn’t believe that he had never received a note of appreciation for all that he has done. Everyone loves and admires Coach Mayes. There isn’t a time when we get together that someone doesn’t ask about Coach Mayes or wonder how he is doing.  Since receiving his letter, I have called many of my fellow teammates and we are going to get together and visit him.”

Please let us know if you enjoyed the “You Make A Difference” exercise by leaving a comment below, and share your experience as well.

For more information about making a difference and living a life filled with more purpose, more enjoyment, and more friends visit www.liveanewnow.com