be generous every day.

On very busy days, I don’t always feel like I have time to be generous, to break off from what I’m doing to lend a hand, some information or some compassion. It’s squeezed out by deadlines, appointments, the juggle of work, kids, friends and life. But when I do stop and do something kind or caring for someone, it takes so little time (sometimes just 3 or 4 minutes) and gives so much to me – and maybe to them too, I hope.

On very busy days, I don’t always feel like I have time to be generous, to break off from what I’m doing to lend a hand, some information or some compassion. It’s squeezed out by deadlines, appointments, the juggle of work, kids, friends and life. But when I do stop and do something kind or caring for someone, it takes so little time (sometimes just 3 or 4 minutes) and gives so much to me – and maybe to them too, I hope.

I call it Everyday Generosity – and the Internet makes it so easy.

You cheer someone on on this site. You answer a question on a listserv. You donate $7 to a cause. You send an encouraging note to a stranger, your sister or someone who shares your interest in kindness.

Yet there’s so much joy in generosity in person – whether it’s dropping off brownies for your favorite aunt or leaving a big tip for a harried waitress (even if she didn’t remember the hot sauce the first time). Or passing along praise to a coworker when you hear someone say something great about her. Or helping someone carry their groceries to the car. Or … (you fill in the Everyday Generosity move for today)

I call it Everyday Generosity – and the Internet makes it so easy.

You cheer someone on on this site. You answer a question on a listserv. You donate $7 to a cause. You send an encouraging note to a stranger, your sister or someone who shares your interest in kindness.

Yet there’s so much joy in generosity in person – whether it’s dropping off brownies for your favorite aunt or leaving a big tip for a harried waitress (even if she didn’t remember the hot sauce the first time). Or passing along praise to a coworker when you hear someone say something great about her. Or helping someone carry their groceries to the car. Or … (you fill in the Everyday Generosity move for today)