We hold so much power to do good for others and ourselves. Let’s do it!
Beginning
During my cancer recovery, I discovered that doing one good deed a day had a profound effect on healing my body and mind. So, I started doing one good deed a day as part of my health and happiness regime, and since then, others have joined me and it has become a source of strength, laughter, community, friendship, inspiration, and homegrown, everyday goodness. And I’d like you to join us and share your good deeds to empower everyone, including yourself for our hearts and souls.
Benefits
Scientific studies shows doing good deeds makes us healthy and happy. It reduces stress, keeps us calm, increases longevity, promotes mental health (I’ve often recommend depressed people to volunteer and it’s been very effective), it naturally pays it forward, restores faith in people and themselves, and it feels so darn good!
Some Guidelines for OGDD
Don’t Need to Search or Create a Good Deed Situation.
Let it come to you. It’s out there every day. but you may not be aware of it. You’re probably doing good deeds already, but if you’re not conscious of it or validating the experience, you won’t get the sense of self-satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-worth – the good stuff!
After you do the good deed, say to yourself, “My one good deed a day!” Smile. Pat yourself on the back and let the endorphins multiply. It’s subtle, yet powerful and you’ll enjoy your day more, even if nothing good happens.
Keep It Simple
This is not about spending a lot of money, time, making huge sacrifices, or being grand. It’s every day, ordinary “one good deed a day” without any expectations. Whether its people, animals, trees, or everything else, we are all capable of doing and receiving good deeds. Go for it!
No Negative, Mean, and Nasty Comments
Please remember, this is the health & happiness center, so we welcome only positive, encouraging, and concrete comments and feedback. Thank you.
Get Family, Kids, Friends, Coworkers & Others to Join In
OGDD brings people together, even for a little while. It’s the human connection we need to survive and thrive, especially these days.
My family shares ODGG stories over dinner and have lots of fun. These stories are unique and one of a kind, and we also bounce ideas off of each other.
Recently, I asked a teenager, who suffers from low self-esteem to do OGDD and keep a journal. I told her not to force it and she didn’t have to do it, if she didn’t want to. Soon, she recruited a few friends, and now, she’s starting an OGDD club at school. It has silently done wonders for her self-esteem and social life. Hooray!
ODGG Daily Journal
I’ve encouraged people to keep an OGDD daily journal. Grade school kids, college students, adults, and seniors alike enjoy keeping a journal of their good deeds. It has become a source of self confidence and optimism, especially during dark and sad days. It’s a reminder that basically, we are good people, willing to help each other for no reason, because it’s the right thing to do, and it feels awesome!
Some Examples of OGDD
“While walking, I noticed a woman locked herself out of her house with curlers in her hair (yikes!) I called her daughter on my cell phone, who came to her rescue.”
“Gently captured a spider in the house and put it outside. (Spiders are actually beneficial bugs and they eat all the critters, you can’t see. So, try to put them outside rather than killing it).” Mary. Maryland.
“Saw a dog roaming around the neighborhood. Luckily, his collar had an address, so took him home a few blocks away. The owners were elated with gratitude and happiness. I felt like a million bucks!”
“I asked a coworker who always ate lunch alone to join us one day. It turns out she was distant to hide the fact she was living in her car after a messy divorce. An empty nester coworker had a spare bedroom she wanted to rent out. Problem solved, and boy did it feel good for everyone.” Henry. Florida.
“I didn’t have a mean thought about my boss for an hour. A miracle!” Jasmine. NY
Response:
That works!
“A baby bird fell out of a tree. Even though I was gonna be late for work and get yelled at by my boss, I took a chance and decided to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. It turns out my boss had a parrot and understood. The crow is doing fine and will be released soon.”
“I didn’t hide from my mother in-law when she came to visit without notice.” Grace. San Francisco
“A coworker went on vacation leaving her poor plant to die in her cubicle. I watered it every day and brought it back to life. When she returned, she gave me the plant, confessing she has no green thumb.” Marjorie. Oregon.
“I moved a tree branch that fell on a walk path to prevent injuries for others.” Paul. Seattle.
“A snail was in the middle of a busy road. I picked it up and put in on the grass lawn.” Jenn. LA.
Let’s continue to support, inspire, laugh, share, heal, make friends and make a difference.
Post your “One Good Deed a Day” below. Can’t wait to hear your stories.
I thank you all in advance. You are my heroes!