We have all had times when we’ve reached out to complete strangers to offer help or assistance, haven’t we? 

Consider: 

• How many times have you held a heavy door open for someone to walk through safely? 
• How many times have you helped someone in the grocery store with something that was beyond their reach? 
• How many times have you made a phone call for someone or allowed them to use your phone in an emergency? 

Most likely, more times than you can easily remember!

What about this: 

• Have you ever helped anyone start their car or given someone a ride?
  How about helping a young Mom struggling with a young baby and her stroller? 
• Or helped the old man with a cane get down a flight of stairs? 
• Have you ever picked up some trash that was blowing in the wind and put it in a dumpster? 

Surely you have. Most people have. It’s just something you do. There is never a reason. Nor do you ever expect any reward for those random acts of kindness. It’s how you were raised. It’s the right thing to do isn’t it? 

The world is changing and changing rapidly. Mostly for the better, but there are also many changes that are neither good nor welcome. 

Too many people will never understand that it really is love that makes the world go around. 

What If? 

The random acts of kindness that so many people engage in on a daily basis are often opportunities spotted and fulfilled without any conscious thought at all. It’s just what we do. 

But what if we applied conscious thought and actively looked for opportunities to help complete strangers? 

Would it make a difference in the life of that stranger that you helped? Of course, it would. Someone stepping up to help in their hour of need would be almost heaven-sent. 

But what about YOU? 

How would you feel? 

How would you feel about being in the right place, at the right time, to help someone when nobody else could or would? Wouldn’t you get a kick out of that? Of course, you would! 

This immeasurable, unquantifiable, feel-good factor has such a buzz to it that it would light you up for the rest of the day! 

Do you think the recipient of your random act of kindness might tell someone about what happened to them today? Would they speak well of you and express their gratitude to the unknown stranger who was there just at the right time today? Of course! 

Is it possible that they might be so inspired by your actions on their behalf that they would tell several people? 

What if those people were also inspired by your example, and they, too, consciously started finding people each day that they could help? 

Ripples on a Pond 

Just like ripples on a pond, your single, random act of kindness could have a very far reaching, positive effect on the lives of many, many people. 

Strangers that you’ve never met and likely will never, ever meet could have a smile on their face today, just because of you! 

So how about it? Could you help a complete stranger today with a Random Act of Kindness? How would that make you feel? What if you did it every day? 

What if you led by example and were able to positively change the lives of many, many people simply by doing the right thing for no other reason than the fact that you can? 

The only way you can change your own world is by making decisions and taking action. By consciously employing Random Acts of Kindness, you can change the lives of anyone you meet, at any time, or anywhere. 

The Challenge: Change the World So, here’s a challenge for you: 

Commit to one Random Act of Kindness each day for one week. That’s seven days, seven opportunities to make someone smile, and seven opportunities to make yourself feel good by helping a complete stranger in their moment of need. 

If you like it, keep it going! 

Lead by example, knowing that the ripples that you’re sending out on the pond of life will inspire others to follow your example, and one person at a time, one Random Act of Kindness at a time, collectively, we WILL change the world. 

The post The Power of Random Acts of Kindness appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Part of my purpose in this life is to help others in whatever way possible. I feel fulfilled when I am able to offer a helping hand or shoulder to lean on. When I give support, I do so without keeping record of it. My help comes from a sincere place. 

Making financial contributions to meaningful causes is easy for me. When I see the value of my donation to others, I am happy. I am motivated to keep giving because I love to see my gifts transformed into blessings. 

Emotional support stretches further than financial support. When family and friends request a listening ear or shoulder to cry on, I make myself available without question. 

I believe that I am here to make life more livable for as many people as possible. I assist loved ones with hurting hearts and unsettled souls. My own wants are forgotten when I am playing the role of support system. 

When I choose to give of myself freely, blessings come back to me bountifully. It is wonderful to be part of an equation that brings joy to the world. 

Today, my physical and spiritual gifts are for those who call on me for help. I am happy for the opportunity to share myself with others. Being a source of relief is one of the best gifts in life. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. How do I feel when others overlook expressing gratitude for my kindness?
   
2. How do I feel when others sacrifice themselves for my peace of mind?
   
3. In what ways can I be of help to people in need?
   

The post I Give Without Keeping a Mental Note of the Act appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

This world is filled with opportunities for me to be of service. It is fulfilling to extend a helping hand to those who are poor and underprivileged. 

My voice reaches much further than those who are frowned upon. I use it to preach equality and justice. I speak out against negative treatment of the poor. 

When I see others mocking and ridiculing the homeless, I step in. It is my worldly duty to remind others that we are all the same. I encourage those around me to be more empathetic. My words of protection cover those who are unable to defend themselves. 

Being a role model is one of my most rewarding responsibilities. I encourage high school dropouts to take the second chance that awaits them. 

Showing the fearful and discouraged that they are worthy is a part of my life’s mission. I believe that each person deserves a chance to have goodness in their lives. My arms are open to anyone who needs encouragement and love. 

Working with charitable organizations gives me a chance to offer support. When someone feels lost, I am there to guide them to a happier place. 

Today, my strength lies in my ability to shield those who are less fortunate. Providing that shelter contributes to making the lives of others more livable. I am a firm believer in using my emotional core to rebuild the souls and hearts of others. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. What activities do I participate in to help homeless children?
   
2. How do I react when I see cruelty to someone who is disadvantaged?
   
3. In what ways can I use my financial status to benefit the lives of others?
   

The post I Am a Protector of the Disadvantaged appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

Many of us are hesitant to ask for help. We feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask. We think it makes us look weak or incapable. But, all of this is untrue. 

It might not be easy to ask for help, but it is smart. Asking for help is a great way to take control of, and responsibility for, your life. There’s certainly no shame in asking for help. 

Ask and ye shall receive help: 

1. Remember the times you’ve helped someone else. You’ve helped a lot of people over the course of your life. Do you think those people had a reason to feel shame because they asked for your help? You were probably happy to help. You even felt good about helping. 

• You can make someone else feel good just by asking for assistance! 

2. Asking for help is an assertive behavior. There’s no reason to view asking for help as a weak behavior. Assertive people are more successful and take responsibility for their lives. You can practice being assertive by asking for help. 

3. Getting help saves time. Keep in mind that everything is faster with good help. Getting help is a smart move if you value your time. You’re more efficient when you ask for help. Don’t you want to be more efficient? 

4. You can do a better job with expert help. You’re not only faster with good help, you’re better. No matter what you need help with, there’s someone out there that’s more skilled or talented than you are. It only makes sense to ask for their assistance. 

5. Remember that many people need help. You only need to turn on the news to see how many people need help. It’s not surprising that you need help from time to time, too. Would you turn down someone that sincerely needed your help? 

6. Swallow your pride. Pride is rarely a good thing. Pride is often just a weak and overly sensitive ego. Be strong and just do it. Pride comes before the fall, so they say. If you think about it, that makes sense. 

7. Mentally rehearse asking for help. Visualize asking for help and receiving a positive response. Repeat the process until you can imagine asking for help without a negative emotional response. 

This is a great habit to build for a variety of situations. With enough mental practice, you can be comfortable doing just about anything. 

8. Ask for help with something small. Give yourself a little practice. Think of something you could use some help with that isn’t an imposition. Ask for a ride to the store. Ask a friend for a dollar. Ask for some advice. Become comfortable with asking for help. 

9. Pay for help. If you really need help, and you just can’t ask, then pay someone to help you. Whether you need help painting your house or need help for a mental health issue, there’s a professional that can help. 

• When you ask for help, you’re being efficient, assertive, and completing that task at a higher level than you could on your own. 

Asking for help can be challenging, but it’s a smart move. Most people would love the opportunity to do something kind for someone else. People are so isolated these days, the person you ask will appreciate the chance to interact with someone in a meaningful way. 

Swallow your pride and just ask. You have so much to gain and so little to lose. You can do it. 

The post How to Ask for Help Without Shame appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.

The world is filled with those who yearn for my help. I am conscious of their existence and am eager to provide my assistance. My focus is on speaking up for the suffering people whose voices are rarely heard. 

I am an advocate for endangered, homeless children. My attention is on the ones whose cries for protection and love often land on deaf ears. 

I develop programs that bring awareness to their plight. I use avenues that are open to me to educate the public on their situation. When I speak up, I am able to get the attention and financial assistance that these kids need. 

People with mental illness deserve to be treated respectfully. My relationships with influential people provide an excellent channel to create consciousness. 

I embrace young adults who are experiencing abuse but are afraid to talk about it. Opening my arms, heart, and ears to them gives them an outlet. I speak out against inhumane treatment and victimization. I encourage them to report wrongdoings. 

When I speak up on behalf of sufferers, I feel fulfilled. It is my responsibility to offer help to my fellow brothers and sisters. 

Today, I use my voice for the betterment of the helpless. I am focused on offering a helping hand to pull them out of difficulty. 

Self-Reflection Questions: 

1. What can I do to bring attention to the needs of homeless people in my area?

2. How do I adjust my approach when I realize my lobbying is being ignored?

3. How much time do I spend searching for worthwhile causes to support?

The post I Am a Voice for the Suffering People appeared first on DuckboardsAndStilts.com.