5 Ways to Scatter Sunshine
There’s an old song I always find cheering. It’s called “Scatter Sunshine” and gives terrific advice about how you can make the world a better place every day.
The first verse reads:
In a world where sorrow ever will be known
Where are found the needy and the sad and lone,
How much joy and comfort you can all bestow,
If you scatter sunshine everywhere you go.
Scatter sunshine all along your way.
Cheer and bless and brighten
Every passing day.
In a world full of people complaining about everything going wrong in their lives and where the news is nothing but bad, couldn’t we all use a little more sunshine in our days?
To help you make the world a better place, here are 5 ways to “scatter sunshine” and infuse your peers and your environment with positive feelings.
#1 Text a Compliment. Everyone likes their good nature and good deeds to be noticed. Text someone a note of appreciation for something they did…or for just being who they are.
#2 Smile. A smile could be the greatest gift you give someone all day long. People NEED smiles more than you know. And smiling will make you happier too!
According to Scientific American magazine,
“…psychologists at the University of Cardiff in Wales found that people whose ability to frown is compromised by cosmetic Botox injections are happier, on average, than people who can frown.”
#3 Donate to Charity….and Invite Friends to Join You. I love giving to charity. How does this act “scatter sunshine” you ask? The recipients benefit, of course, but according to Science Daily,
“[Scientists who] carried out three studies of charitable donations, or more precisely pro-social spending, and found that spending money on others or giving money to charity leads to the greatest happiness boost when giving fosters social connection. The overarching conclusion is that donors feel happiest if they give to a charity via a friend, relative or social connection rather than simply making an anonymous donation to a worthy cause.”
Make the world a happier place by making donations together!
#4 Be a Good Listener. When I was a teenager, my mom used to stand at the kitchen sink and yell the song, “What are words for? When no one listens anymore?” All she wanted was someone to listen to her without any agenda of their own. LOTS of people feel this way. Listening to someone without thinking about what you’re going to say next is a gift you can easily give today.
#5 Give Someone a Hug. My neighbor lost her husband to cancer this year. My 8-year-old daughter is a HUGE hugger. They met in the street one day and my daughter gave her a big hug. She texted me and said it was exactly what she needed because she was feeling so sad.
Perfect Timing + Hug = Sunshine
Use these “bright” ideas to cheer others throughout your day. Some ideas are best for friends and loved one, others work best at work, and some can be used everywhere you go.
I close in the words of the song…
Slightest actions often meet the sorest needs,
For the world wants daily little kindly deeds.
Go scatter some sunshine and change the world!
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Categories 5 Languages of Appreciation, 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Communication, Managing By Appreciation, MBA Inventory
