It was announced last week via social media, that the University of South Wales would celebrate National Giving Week, which basically encouraged students and lecturers to carry out a good deed during that week. Whether that was to give a seminar some baked biscuits, or to buy someone's bus fair, encouraging people to carry out these small duties each day/week can really make someone's day and boost your confidence too.
I just wanted to reflect on two good deeds (what I thought) that I did last week. These things are really small, but I felt really good after doing them, and I was pleased about the positivity that I brought to that person's day.
The first time was last Tuesday; I'd finished uni and went to grab some late lunch at a local vegan cafe, one of my favourites (the little beetroot).
Halfway through my jacket potato, I was getting particularly full and I didn't want to eat anymore. So instead of throwing it away, I deposited the rest (it was half a potato, lots of salad and some untouched bbq chicken) into a takeaway container. Then on my way to work, I usually pass a homeless male who's always plotted outside the tesco express. A thought came to my mind, that whatever situation hes in, he could benefit more from this food than me.
After a couple of words of reassurance and building myself up; which sounds really strange because he's a human just like me - I was just a bit wary as some people can find things like this quite weird.
I walked up to him and asked 'Do you like BBQ chicken?' he replied 'yes' with a quaint smile, and I handed him the box with some wooden cutlery. As I walked away and we'd exchanged thank you's, I honestly couldn't stop smiling for the next ten minutes, and thought about how happy he had made me feel, and vice versa.
The second time was a couple of days after, and it was one of my friends birthdays in work. I found out that one of her favourite flowers were orchids - so I decided to surprise her. In the morning, I went to a little flower shop to buy her this beautiful purple orchid, placed in a cream pot and wrapped in protective foil, it was really beautiful. I popped her card in with the packaging, and carried it to work. Bearing in mind I wasn't due to work this day, I just wanted to give it to her personally, because she works so hard and I wanted her to feel appreciated. She was due to be on her lunch, I went into the staff room and sang 'Happy Birthday, supriseeeee!'. She looked shocked but so happy, and I just felt really content and happy, as did she.
Just wanted to share these of many moments with you. Carrying out a good deed, or receiving one yourself can really make someones day. Do it when and as often as you can. It doesn't have to involve money or a big gesture, because people remember the little, thoughtful things the most :)
