be nice

The simple concept of being nice has been popping up in my life a lot lately. I think things reveal themselves to you for a reason and I’m taking note of the signs.

Last week I had a very nice day and tweeted this:

The Checkout Girl wrote a lovely post about being nice, and the comments are worth a read as well.

I think public restroom paper towel art would be a fun way to brighten people’s days… only I would leave notes like “you are wonderful!” and “today is your chance to make the world a better place.” Kindness Girl’s acts of Guerrilla Goodness really knocks my socks off!

There was a two-part article in the NY Times called 100 Things Restaurant Staffers Should Never Do. (Part 1 & Part 2) Whine Me Dine Me also recently did a post on exceptional service. I’m sure most servers don’t look at their job as something they want to do for the rest of their lives, which probably contributes a bit to the bad service we’ve all had from time to time but; I think most waitstaff truly want you to enjoy your dining experience and maybe just don’t know all the little things that would make it that much better, ultimately benefitting them in the end with a bigger tip (hopefully). If people were simply more thoughtful, less hurried, and less selfish, most of these things would come naturally. Same goes for customers.

Making a lunch for yourself or someone you love is nice. Check out these adorable Nutella and banana bunny sandwiches from Bentomom! Inviting someone over for Thanksgiving dinner who doesn’t have anyone to share a meal with is also nice.

Taking note of things people say in passing about what they want or need so that you can try to give it to them for Christmas is nice. Christmas doesn’t have to cost a thing either. Giving of yourself and your time is even nicer. Is your best friend losing her mind in a cluttered home and could use your OCD help? Do you know a couple with kids who could really use a night out? Would your grandma and her friends like a chauffeur for the afternoon?

When was the last time you hand wrote a thank you note? Finding a reason for the most mundane of things would be nice! These cards from Paper Victory would suit any occasion!

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Tagged as: kindness, Richmond, thank you, Thanksgiving