Simplicity In Service
One of the simplest ways you can bring joy into your life, elevate your vibration (as well as those around you), and contribute to the world is through service. It may sound selfish (it isn’t because it is a win/win), but serving others feels amazing! It shifts your focus from your own life’s issues and problems, and humbly refocuses it onto others who may be suffering, too. When we give our time, energy, and/or resources to others, the positive intention is released into the Universe and paid forward somewhere else. Who doesn’t want to be part of that!?
I have heard a lot of people say they are too exhausted and/or they don’t have enough time or money to give. This is true for a lot of people, but I assure you, we all have something to give. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture. The simplest acts of kindness sometimes are felt the deepest!
Last weekend, I went out of state with my very handsome husband. We were gone for 3 nights, with the objective being rejuvenation and reconnection. My daughter, Abbie, was kind enough to watch my very high anxiety when mom is gone beagles for me. She was kind enough to stay the night at our house in our absence, so the dogs would feel more comfortable. This simple gesture allowed two people to fulfill their need to take a trip together, but it also allowed 4 anxious dogs to feel safe and supported in our absence. This is servitude, even if it doesn’t seem to fit the stereotypical definition we may be familiar with.
Often times when we think of service to others, we envision ourselves going to a soup kitchen to serve lunch to the homeless, or running a half marathon to raise money and awareness for a cause. Although these are both great examples of service, they aren’t the only way we can serve others. Think kindness.
On this same getaway weekend, Abbie was working her usual job. She found herself worried about the dogs during her 7 hour shift, so she called my best friend (and lifeline and assistant and general good human being), Jackie. Abbie asked her if she would be willing to stop up to my house and check in on them, so they weren’t home alone all day. Again, Abbie was serving the dogs by sending love and attention to them in her absence. Jackie, who would do anything for anyone, agreed without a thought. She popped into the house, sat with the dogs, made sure they knew they were loved (how they can question this is beyond me, but they do), and while she was there, even took the time to clean the kitchen, take out the garbage I had forgotten to take care of before leaving, and washed the dishes!
She told Abbie she didn’t want me to come home from a rejuvenating weekend and have to walk into a mess!
This is a perfect example of service to others, and the love behind it was felt all the way to my core. When I walked in the door that Monday, I immediately noticed how unusually clean and clutter—free (don’t judge, my life gets cluttered, too) the kitchen was and that allowed me to take a huge joyous breath. I had no idea who cleaned it. I had no idea Jackie and Abbie worked together to make a positive experience for myself, my husband, and my beloved dogs. My heart was full, though.
I try to find some form of service every single day. It keeps my mind on others, rather than on myself. A few days ago, I heard my husband say his hands were aching from being so dry after working with tile and sheetrock mud all week. I went to the store and bought him “working hands” lotion and a container of Gold Bond healing lotion, so he had it available after work. Simple, inexpensive, and meaningful to the recipient.
Our washing machine is broken and awaiting repair, so I have been doing laundry at the laundromat. I watched a young man work on the neon light signage above the washing machines for almost an hour before telling him it was obvious he was good at his trade and seemed to enjoy doing it. His face lit up and he went on to tell me all about how glass bending is a lost art and he is proud to know how to do it. I believe he felt seen and recognized after my very simple comment. This cost me nothing and took no effort. When I left the laundromat, I left the last of my quarters with the front desk attendant and asked her to give them to someone in need. I don’t want, or need, recognition or a thank you for my gesture. My reward is knowing I made someone’s day, which increases the vibration in our world that we all live in together.
How can you serve those around you?
Shovel your neighbors sidewalk
When you think something complimentary of another person, tell them.
Bring food to the food bank, or someone living on the streets
Pack up clutter in your house that isn’t used anymore and give it to the homeless shelter
Surprise a friend with a random cup of their favorite coffee.
Leave a nice note for your server on the back of your bill. “Your laugh is contagious. Thank you for the amazing service!”
How can you contribute to a greater good today? What small, kind, yet very impactful gesture can you make today, and every day!?
