January 3, 2022 Submitted by Glen Mangurian
For the second year in a row, Covid has cast a shadow on our holiday experience and increased our anxiety about 2022. I recently read about the “Do Good, Feel Good” phenomenon. Psychologists tell us that if a person makes someone else feel good in any way, shape, or form, they will then feel useful and needed - a feeling most people covet. Does “Do Good, Feel Good” resonate with you?
Here are a few “Do Good” suggestions.
1. Give a sincere compliment
Many positive things tend to go unsaid. So give someone a sincere compliment today. It could be as
simple as “I really respect you.” Or “I experience you as authentic.” It can be especially touching if it's
something that is close to the other person's heart.
2. Hold the door open for a few extra seconds
It doesn't take much of an effort but it can put a smile on someone's face. You’ll probably receive a
“thank you” in return.
3. Encourage a discouraged friend
The world can be a tough and discouraging place at times. So encourage someone who is in a negative
situation at the moment and add your own optimistic perspective on the situation while
understanding the discouragement that the other person might be feeling.
4. Call a friend just to see how they're doing
In the hustle and bustle of the season we often lose touch with some of our friends. Open by telling
the friend you have been thinking of them.
5. Give a stranger a smile
Few things can brighten a day like getting a kind and unexpected smile while walking down the street
or riding in an elevator. You will likely get a smile that will make you both feel good.
6. Make a donation to a worthy cause
Even a modest donation is welcome. The donation need not be monetary. It could be of clothing,
furniture or other possessions that would be welcomed by others in need.
7. Say a short prayer with someone
Ask God to watch over and guide them.
8. Just listen
Be quiet and listen. No need to solve. Sometimes listening is all that's needed to help someone out.
9. Bring the positivity
Positivity is usually accompanied by good energy. How you show up to others has an impact on them.
Positivity can be contagious (and that’s a good contagion).
10. Be happy yourself
You deserve it! It may be difficult but you can choose to be happy too.
Everyone wants to be valued in some way or another. They want to think of themselves as good people. When you offer something to another unselfishly, it gives you that sense of purpose and raises your self-esteem. Generosity is the act of wanting to help someone else. By tuning into the needs of other people, we actually enhance our own emotional well-being. Maybe there is a New Year’s resolution for you. Give it a try. It might become a habit.
Glenn Mangurian is a Hingham resident of 35 years. His recent book, Pushing the Edge of Thought, Possibility, and Action, is available on Amazon. He welcomes your comments and can be reached at gmangurian@comcast.net