How Good Deeds Can Affect Your Life

You just never know what impact your actions may have on someone else’s life... or yours. I have a favorite old story that illustrates this fact very well.

Late one night, back in the 1960’s, a man saw a woman standing on the side of the highway in the pouring rain. When he noticed her car was broken down, he decided to interrupt his own plans to stop and offer her a ride. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance towing her car and put her into a taxicab. Although she was clearly somewhat distressed and in a hurry, she thanked the man and took time to write down his address.

Now soaking wet and late, the man went on his way.

A week later the man received a large, unexpected package. It was a giant color TV, which was the latest and greatest technology at that time. The note attached to the package read: “Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole."

Wow! That rain-soaked lady had been the wife of one of the greatest singers of the time! But, more importantly, she had been a fellow human being in need.

Sometimes, when you do a good deed there could be a tangible reward. Sometimes all you get is a quick “Thanks” and other times the recipient of your good will isn’t even grateful. But I encourage you not to be helpful only to people who can pay you back in some manner. The very act of doing a good deed is beneficial to your own sense of self-worth and well-being. Enjoy having the opportunity to be a blessing to someone with no strings attached.

Believe it or not, your own happiness is not grown by doing or having everything you want, but by sharing happiness with others. Your happiness does not need to depend on whether someone is grateful enough or if they reward you. It can come from the satisfaction of doing the right thing and growing as a person in the process.

Keep in mind, people have been sharing universal wisdom for ages: What goes around comes around. You reap what you sow. Ultimately, good things in life often come to those who are generous.

So, next time you see a person with a need you are able to meet, give it a try. It might be a small, seemingly inconsequential event, or you may get a new TV. You just never know!

Live, Work & Relate Well!

Dr. Todd