Every good deed has a ripple effect. A single effect means it positively affects the receiver. A multiple effect is when the receiver goes on to do a good deed for someone else, perhaps because they feel happier and have had their faith restored in the world by an unexpected good deed from a stranger.
Whatever the outcome, good deeds add good to the world.
A smile costs nothing, neither does kindness. Plus, doing something good for another person makes us feel good too. So it’s an all round win-win situation.
The idealist in me wishes that we could all do one good deed a day for someone. For instance, pay for a stranger’s cup of coffee, offer to take the neighbour’s dog for a walk or help a fragile person across the road. Yes, that last one’s a cliche but you get the gist.
Tuning in to helpful behaviour changes your perspective on life. It is hard to be bitter and angry when you are helping someone out. The reward is that people thank you and it makes you feel alive and with a purpose.
In many of the self help books I have read, many of them advocate doing community work to improve happiness levels. This takes the focus off your own problems and offers you the satisfaction of easing another’s burden.
Try it sometime, see how it feels. You never know – you might just become addicted!
Links:
A book on Good Deeds: Â Â https://onegooddeedbook.com/
andy: https://www.mandyjane-lifedesign.com The author of this blog lives in Surrey, UK and offers counselling to couples and individuals. All names have been changed to protect the identity of clients. Personal client stories shared in this blog have been published with prior permission from the relevant clients.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
