An Ounce of Altruism

I got a distress call from my daughter during my evening commute today.  She sounded perturbed as she explained that she was giving up on her literature assignment and was ready to accept a zero (along with the consequences).  The next phase of a major paper was due but she was having trouble developing her outline.  She knows bad grades are a sore point so to declare that a bad grade was good enough meant she was truly at her wits end.

I asked her what she needed and all she wanted was for me to say something to make her feel better.  I advised her to take a break, told her I knew she was capable and told her to relax until I made it home.

I grabbed her a Snicker candy bar and gave her a big hug as soon as I walked in the door.  We laughed a little bit, ate dinner together then got back to the task of her outline.  In less than 15 minutes, she had her creative juices flowing again. She was figuring things out and she felt capable of completing the task at hand. 

What did I do? I simply sat across the room and listened to her figure out answers to her own questions.
Today's Inspiration
Kindness can change the world for the person receiving it

Many times we wonder what we have to offer the world.  Unfortunately, in today's society where everyone is a celebrity and every talent is equated to dollars and cents, its easy to lose sight of the simpler things in life  - the things that don't wind up in store fronts and can't be bought or sold.

The value of kindness never depreciates.  In fact, as life gets tougher compasion and caring become more invaluable. Often times, they mean more to a person in need than material items and can sustain us as much as any meal.  Studies have shown that even something as elementary as a hug assists the body's immune system, cures depression, and reduces stress for both the giver and the receiver.

Never underestimate the importance of being thoughtful and kind to others.  The return on such an investment yields immediate, immeasurable benefits.  The next time the opportunity presents itself, lend a hand or sincere words of affirmation.  A little encouragement goes a long way...

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