Monday, February 28, 2011

The Power Of Nice

     I just finished a book titled "The Power Of Nice".  It was such a thought provoking and good book that I decided to share my thoughts.

     Basically, the book explains how much more we can get out of life being nice.  It seems like such a basic principal, but I think most people could use a little help in this area. 

     I bought the book because I was intrigued by the idea of having someone actually taking the time to write a book to encourage niceness. I consider myself a nice person and many nice things happen to me.   Is that a coincidence?  I think not.   

     Every time we speak, we choose our words.  You can choose to be nice or you can choose to be rude.  If you choose to be nice, chances are you will get a much nicer response.  Some people don't think you can hear emotions in our voices.  I disagree.  I think the tone of our voice speaks louder than the words.  People tell me they hear a smile in my voice.  That makes me feel good.  I want people to know that I am smiling when I talk to them.

     I truly believe that people that are nice to other people are happier individuals.  No one is happy all the time, but we do have the ability to make ourselves feel good by being nice.  There is a quote that I have always loved.  It goes like this:  "Be nice to everyone.  Not because they are, but because you are."    

     Imagine if ALL of us could just be nice to each other?  Can you imagine how much better we would feel?  I make yummy cupcakes and I give them to people because it makes them smile.  I make chicken noodle soup for people that are recovering from an illness.  I let people with small purchases go ahead of me when my cart is full. I smile at strangers.  I give compliments to people that I don't know.  I have paid for the person behind me in the toll booth.  All of these things make ME feel good too.   

     When was the last time you did something nice? Maybe you should try it.  Smile at a stranger.  Tell them to enjoy the sunshine.  Open the door for a person that has their hands full.  Do something nice every day.  I can guarantee that you will be a happier person for it.

     As parents, we are examples to our children every day.  By teaching our children to be nice, we are actually helping them to become happier adults.     

     We can make this world a better place.  One nice gesture at a time.  Oh, and you can always buy the book.