The Sharing Spirit
With the New Year approaching I have been thinking of good resolutions to make; little things that could bring smiles to people around me, whether friends, family or complete strangers. We all know that big resolutions are most likely to be given up by the end of January, but here are lots of easy ideas to share or simply make the day brighter.
For example; each time I spring clean the house, I end up with a pile of unwanted objects. Some I know the local charity shops will be interested in, others end up in a grey zone; let’s say kids craft material they are not interested in anymore. How about trying your local school? These items can get expensive on their budget and they sure will find a use for it. You can also add them to Freecycle, which have branches in most cities. Just place an ad where all the items are to free, with the only condition being that the person interested collects it from you. You will be amazed at how quick it will go and how wide the selection is. It’s ideal when you are moving too. Think of it next time you are looking for shelves for the garage, cheap chairs for an event etc. It can be a real treasure chest.
Why not make someone happy and try Post Crossing. Once registered on the website, you can get access to 5 addresses and profiles to send a postcard to, as well as a unique code to indicate who you are at the end of your message. The receiver will then enter the latter on the system and this in turn will put you on the list to receive a card from a complete stranger. It may be from Finland, France, Russia, who knows? Most people love adding a beautiful stamp, write enthusiastic sentences or even a beautiful quote. It makes such a difference to find such a lovely surprise in the post rather than invoices!
Another version is Book Crossing. Again, you will be given a code on the website. Just leave a note in a book and leave it in a public place (an airport, a waiting lounge, a sheltered bench) for someone to find. They can then connect, leave a note, let you know where the book has gone to and once read share it again. One of mine went from London to the US and finally found its way to Finland! Or you could simply exchange it on Read It-Swap It. Create your list of finished/unwanted books and if someone is interested in any of yours, they will contact you and you can select one from their options. There is no fee involved apart from the postage. It is also a great way to make friends; with people having the same tastes staying in touch, discussing the stories and sharing advice.
I find the best gift you can give a friend is time. It matters more than any object you could buy. Why not give a mum a little break? Knock on the door, sit her down with a nice cup of tea and take the kids to the local playground. You have no idea how much difference this half hour of silence can make. Or better yet – use your skills! I struggle to keep the garden tidy – weeds go faster than me. My best friend, as a birthday present, prepares mine for the winter, and plants a few extra bulbs. I think of her every time I look out if the window. She in turn is not a computer fan and I create labels for her jam and chutney jars.
If you are London based, you can also join an Unseen Tour. This organisation works with homeless people to provide them with a regular job. You will be amazed at how much you will learn about a neighbourhood you thought you knew by heart. They bring a very warm touch to the walk, will talk about local shops, little stories heard that never make their way to the papers. It really is worth a try and makes as much a difference as buying the Big Issue.
The kids can join too in their own way. Why not give them a chalk and let them add a nice message on the pavement? I remember seeing a “Keep smiling!” one once, which did cheer me up. We love to do this on the beach or in the forest, using shells, pretty stones or nuts to create a creative postcard.
It can be the simplest thing, like making more soup than is needed and bringing a thermos of it to an elderly neighbour who lives on his/her own. Making the world better, one smile at a time…
What will you do?
Photography by: Brandon Christopher Warren, cbransto and SlinkyDragon
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