The neighborly thing to do...

My husband and I just moved into a new neighborhood. This is our first house, so all of the things that go along with homeownership are new to us. Today we were breaking in our new mower but couldn't get it to start correctly.

After several failed attempts out in broad daylight for the whole neighborhood to see, we decided to go inside and try later. As we were going in, our neighbor came over and offered to help. He and my husband worked on it together and minutes later - VOILA!

Our neighbors could have easily kept to themselves but this nice man decided to take time out of his afternoon, share his experience and help out his new neighbors. It's nice to know we live across the street from such generous people.

Today someone was Golden to me

I am in Chicago for work this week and was bustling around on Michigan Avenue at lunch. As I was walking back to my office, a man came up to me with some dollar bills in his hand. I couldn't understand what he was saying because he was kind of huffing and puffing.

But I soon figured out he said the money was mine, had fallen out of my pocket a while back and he'd been trying to reach me but I walked too fast. ha! I couldn't believe that he actually took the time to chase me down and didn't just keep it for himself.

It's a big city, it would be pretty easy just to pocket the money and walk the other way. 

Thank you man on Michigan Avenue. You brightened my day! 

Golden act...

A reader shared this golden act of goodness they received. 

"Thought I would share the nice thing that my boss did today. Apparently he bought a bunch of candy bars in support of a local charity. He then walked around to each office and gave employees one, stating that it was "A random act of chocolate day." What a nice surprise...much appreciated."

Everybody loves chocolate – what a wonderful (and easy) way to brighten someone's day!

Thought of the day...

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." 

–John Wooden

Golden idea

Not sure where to start or what to do for you first golden act? Just look at your daily routine.

Do you get coffee at the same shop everyday? Have lunch at a regular spot? Park your car in one lot day after day? Do you know the people who work there? If not, get to know them.

Instead of just saying hi or thanks as you walk by, ask how they are doing today and really mean it. It only takes a minute or two to make someone feel special. Who knows? That could be the bright spot in their day.

I go to the same drugstore pretty often that is close to our gym. There is a worker there who could best be described as "crabby" on a good day. On one trip, she had to look up an in-store coupon for my purchase and it was taking a while. So while she was looking I asked how she was doing that day, and since she had time, she actually engaged in the conversation. Once my transaction was done, I looked at the clerk, thanked her and told her how much I appreciated her taking the time to look up the coupon for me. You could tell she was taken back by it. But smiled and said you're welcome. Who knows what she is dealing with in her life but hopefully those 5 minutes made her feel good, even if just for a little while.

It just takes a moment to make a difference. 

Have you started your acts of kindness, witnessed a kind act or been the recipient? Share your story with us in the comment section below! 

The Be Golden Movement

Every year during Lent, I focus on what to give up. Inevitably I give up candy or sugar but as soon as the 40 days of Lent are over, I am inhaling as much sugar as I can.

So this year I wanted to do something more meaningful, something that would last beyond Lent and make a real difference in people's lives. Laying in bed one night, it came to me: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you." The golden rule. It's so simple but so often forgotten.

We focus so much on the things that will make US happy. But what if we took the time to think about OTHERS before ourselves. From that thought, Be Golden was born. Be Golden is a movement to do one positive thing for someone else every day for 40 days. Ideally the goodness will be contagious, they will pass it on and the golden moments will continue to multiple.

Be Golden Acts of Goodness can be anything that positively affect others:

• Smiling and saying good morning to a stranger 
• Helping a neighbor 
• Thanking someone for being part of your life
• Paying for a stranger's meal or gas
• Opening the door for someone
• Thanking your waiter/waitress 

I can't wait to hear all of the great and caring acts you come up with. I hope you'll join me in the Be Golden movement and pass on the goodness to others.

Print out the Be Golden card above. When you perform Golden Act of Goodness, give the recipient this card and encourage them to pass on the golden moments to others. Give the cards to your friends and family and ask them to join you in the Be Golden Movement.

If you see someone performing a golden act, perform one yourself or are a recipient, send me your story. Sharing your story will encourage others to Be Golden themselves.