Take 5 to welcome.

You remember what its like, right? You feel out of your element. You're just a little bit scared (though you'd never admit it) and you keep questioning what exactly you thought you were doing when you made this decision in the first place. Even an extremely confident person is bound to have a few reservations bouncing around in the back of their thoughts. "Will they like me? What if I'm just not as good as I thought I was? What if I don't fit in?"

We've all been there. Whether it was a new job, a new school, a new place of worship, or a new neighborhood, at some point in our lives we will have to go through it: Being the newbie.

Maybe we could all make this a little easier on each other? What if we took advantage of the times when we aren't the new one, and helped those who are to feel a little more comfortable?

Next time you notice a newcomer try this: take 5 minutes to talk with them. Be positive! Don't just tell them all about "the job" or "the neighborhood" but also ask questions about them. Where were they previously? How'd they end up here? (Giving them the chance to let you know them better can ease some fears a little.) See if you can't find some things in common between the two of you, and let them know. "Oh hey, you're from Texas? I went to college down there!" Commonalities will help them to feel less alone. Furthermore, let them know that you understand its always a little strange being new, and that you are around to answer questions if they need it. Maybe you'll make a new friend out of the whole deal, but even if you don't, at least you will have made one person's day just a little bit easier.

A Challenge: Who do you pass over?

There are those people in our lives... you know, the ones that we chit-chat with but never really get to know. Can you think of who fits that role in your life? Is it someone who works in your building? A janitor? The person who delivers the mail in the morning? Perhaps its the kid behind the counter where you buy your coffee every morning?

Here's a challenge for you: Take a little time out of your day to thank this person. It doesn't need to be a production... it just needs to be sincere. (After all, who couldn't use a little more sincere grace in their life)?

What ways can you think of to thank these people in your life? Why do you think we don't *really* take the time in the first place?

Something I've always found to be really fun!

A few years ago I found myself in a great place financially, and wanted to give back a bit in a fun way. One night while walking around a local store at the wee-hours-of-the-morning it hit me: people just didn't look happy. How could I help? I was just a kid without much wisdom or experience to back me up in life.

So, this is what I came up with: words of encouragement and a surprise always make me feel a bit better about the world. This lead me to the following act: On several strips of paper I wrote out encouraging words. Some were quotes that I had loved, others were bible verses, and the rest were simply things I felt that people might like to hear in order to have a better day. Then I took those strips of paper and wrapped them around a 5$ or 10$ bill. Then came the fun part. Trying as hard as I could not to be noticed I walked around the store sneaking the "gifts" into people's carts while they weren't looking, and in random spots throughout the store. (Inside of shoes, in tupperware, in the pockets of yet-to-be-purchased clothing, etc.).

Doing this small anonymous thing was meant to give back and help others to feel better about their days, but truth-be-told, it also made me feel a lot better about my own. There is something about giving back without recognition that can really feel amazing. I recommend trying it if you are in need of a little encouragement in your own life. (You can, of course, go about it without the monetary portion and simply give the notes)!

Have you ever done something like this? How did it affect you personally? Have you ever been the recipient of a small act of kindness such as this? What kind of reaction did you have?

Make It Your Mission

How can you help someone find a smile today? How can you reinforce admirable behavior in those around you?  Has anyone ever done this for you?

It takes a conscious decision on your part to really make your world a more positive place. Make it your mission to do something small for someone else today. Whether its someone you've known for years, or someone you just met seconds ago, you may find that the smallest act of kindness can make their day. Any ideas yet?

Make it count :-)