You Are a Hero to Someone!
Posted on October 10, 2011
I don’t think any of us have a clue about the impact that we make on others in our every day lives.
In short, you are a hero to someone — maybe even a lot of someones.
Let me give you some examples:
- Do you leave occasional comments on other blogs?
- Have you smiled at a stranger lately?
- Do you show respect and shake hands with people you meet professionally?
- Do you sometimes hold the door for others on the elevator?
- Have you bent down to the level of a child and acknowledged them?
- Do you occasionally give to charity?
- Do you offer to open the door for the handicapped?
- Do you subscribe to other blogs and visit them regularly?
- Do you show kindness to someone you know doesn’t like you?
- Have you paid for someone else’s groceries when they looked desperate and forgot their wallet/checkbook (someone did this a few months ago for my husband)?
- Do you regularly visit a relative in an old folk’s home?
- Have you truly sacrificed for someone else?
- Do you volunteer your time for a cause?
- Are you a champion for others who cannot speak for themselves?
Regardless of the gesture, kindness is infectious. It feels good and others enjoy and appreciate the effort. Onlookers are impacted by witnessing these gestures, too. Ever seen the Liberty Mutual commercial where one man’s act of kindness generates into exponential acts of kindness? It is inserted below.
Although, the company uses emotion to invoke interest in their product, it truly is the way we change the world in which we live … one act of kindness at a time.
And we get to be someone’s hero in the process!!
What “heroic” acts have you extended toward others or others toward you lately?
Writing 4 Effect 
Penelope J.
October 10, 2011
Wonderful post, Sherry. Uplifting topic. I can truthfully answer yes to most of your questions except for giving my time for a cause – have done that before but don’t have time right now and ditto for visiting someone in an old folks’ home. However, several things that you mentioned are more like demonstrations of courtesy and caring that we should all do. That video showed examples of precisely those kinds of acts.
This world can be uncaring in a personal sense. People give to charity but are averse to helping out friends or family. I hear a lot of, “Let them stand on their own two feet” or “They got into that mess and now they have get themselves out of it.” I also found more of a brother/sisterhood among the poor than among the rich. People who had little or nothing seemed more ready to help out a friend or co-worker.
On the other hand, many times, too many to recount, both friends and strangers have come to my rescue or helped me in a time of need. In that sense, I am blessed and all I can do in return, is try to give back a little of what has been given to me.
I don’t want to mention any heroic acts I may have done as “heroic” is a big word and I wouldn’t go as far as saying that of myself,, but I have come to the aid of strangers in need when others pass them by.
Writing4Effect
October 25, 2011
I believe that of you, Pennie — not a doubt in my mind. I believe that when you see someone else in need and have the ability to assist them — monetarily or otherwise — you do. Those acts, my friend, are heroic. You go outside your realm of responsibility and make a connection with others. Those actions have a tendency to improve our world one selfless act at a time. You are one of my heroes — a woman whose known great accomplishment, but who also has experienced great sorrow. The two have balanced you out and made you realize that it’s not what you do as a living that makes you who you are — it’s what you are and do as a human being. That, my friend, is who you are.
Penelope J.
October 26, 2011
Wow! I’m speechless. All I try to do is help whenever I can. Unfortunately, sometimes I can’t or it’s too late. I lash myself with good intentions.
claudiajustsaying
October 11, 2011
Great Reminder! I remember a teacher instructing the class to write inside our black composition notebook the first day of school, “Do a good deed daily. and Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Writing4Effect
October 25, 2011
Simple, but deep aspirations, Claudia. For some, this can present quite a challenge. For others who are already practicing these principles, it should challenge them to do more. Great strategy.
Catherine S Photography & Design
October 17, 2011
Inspiring post to start the day!
Writing4Effect
October 25, 2011
So glad you feel that way, Catherine. You’re an inspiration!
Samantha Bangayan
November 30, 2011
I’ve never seen that commercial before, Sherry! It’s so touching! During my academic readings on happiness, I’ve found that random acts of kindness really do increase our happiness levels. The fact that they’re random makes a difference too — that we don’t force ourselves against our own wishes, that they’re spontaneous and real.
It makes me feel so good inside to think know that I may have made someone’s day. And to further label it as heroic — my heart bursts just reading that. =)
Writing4Effect
January 5, 2012
I CANNOT believe it took me so long to respond to your comment, Sam — so sorry!!
I love that — that there’s academic evidence to back that up. You know, lately, I’ve experienced more random opportunities to help others. Just a few weeks ago, a young lady at a Quik Trip (gas/grocery) stopped me and asked if I would buy her some fuel. I did and asked the clerk if that ever happened there before. He said, “Sometimes.” The other day, a man was also at a Quik Trip, pulled out all his change and didn’t have enough to pay for his small snack. I was waiting to pay for my coffee and fuel and was right next to him. I didn’t want him to feel humiliated, so I pulled out a dollar and put it on the counter. What a small, small gesture that reaped me big emotional satisfaction. Even in this economy, it surprises me when opportunities fall in my lap like that. I feel so fortunate to be able to respond.