HOW TO BE NICE

Sometimes we all need gentle reminders
so I thought I'd share this with you.

You may notice that some of these reminders
somewhat blend with my 15 for twenty fifteen.


  * Say "please" and "thank you" and "you're welcome" and "excuse me."

Always.
 

* Acknowledge people with a smile.
Yes, even strangers.
It might be the only smile they receive all day long.

* Be Patient.
With yourself and with others.

* Praise somebody.
And be sincere in doing so.

* Be observant.
Do you see somebody struggling?
Offer to help.
We all struggle from time to time and some assistance always helps.

* Fill your days with small acts of kindness.
Kindness doesn't have to be expensive.
If you give from the heart it's free.

* Somebody give you a gift?
Always.  Always.  Always.  Send a thank you card.

* Be Courteous.

* Don't bully.
(Yes, adults can be a bully, too!!!)

* Ask people how they're doing.
If they don't want to divulge too much,
accept it.

* Use your blinkers when driving

(and wave a "thank you" if someone lets you in.)
Maybe let someone in, too.
 

* Be nice to animals.

* Share.

* Get an invitation?
Act on the R.S.V.P.
It's important!

* Don't discriminate.

* Be positive.

* Cell phones.
Know when it's considerate to use them.
Dinner guests don't appreciate vying for your time.
Have a text message?
Not everybody is interested in it.

* Grocery shopping?
Don't leave your cart in the middle of the aisle and walk away.
When you're finished with the cart
don't abandon it ... put it where it belongs.

* Be humble.

* Don't be two-faced and don't gossip.

* Be complimentary.
But don't be fake.

* Volunteer.
Anywhere.

* Be reliable.
Return phone calls and reply to e-mails promptly.

* If there's an 'in' and an 'out' door,
use the proper one.

* Be a good listener.

* In the movie theater?
In a meeting?
Use your whisper voice when talking with your neighbor.
Better yet - wait until later.

* Know that you're better than no one.

We're all equal.
Yep, you're not better than your neighbor or that lady down the street.
You're not!
So be nice to everyone.
 

* Commit to your friendships.

* Think before you speak.
Are your words going to improve the silence?
Is it true?
Is it helpful?
Is it kind?
Is it productive?
Is it inspiring?
Is it even necessary?
Are they nice words? 

 

* Apologize as quickly as possible.

* Use your common sense.

* Donate to a charity.

* Don't laugh at others' mistakes.
And don't point out their faults.

* Have books or magazines you've already read?
Take them to a senior citizen's facility - they'd love to read them.
And while you're there, visit with the residents.
Some never have visitors.
You can also leave them in the doctors' office waiting room.

* Try not to take more than you give.
When you're able, give more than you take.
 

* Ask yourself how you can improve the world.
Even just a little.

And then go and do it.

Be THAT person who makes the world better, not worse.

* Start with doing one nice thing each day.
Anonymously or not.

It'll bring up your mood and will brighten someone else's day.

Take the high road.
Sometimes that's easier said than done, I know.
And sometimes it's not always easy to be nice.
You may encounter situations that will test your ability to be a nice person.

You never know what's around the bend,
so be nice!