A recent poll taken of 2,000 adults indicated that 84% report that they try to go out of their way to help others on the premise of “what goes around, comes around.” My belief is that human nature naturally wants to do good.  Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the banking app Chime, the survey found that 72% of adults considered themselves to be generous, even though 43% felt somewhat insecure financially. Doing good for others makes people feel better about themselves, uplifted in times when good news may not always be abundant.

          Sometimes, people will pay for fast food orders for the car behind them. Miranda was thrilled to find out that the Happy Meals she ordered from McDonald’s for her carful of three children had been covered by the man in the work truck in front of her. This small act of kindness encouraged Miranda to pay it forward to others. She happily let others with less groceries get in front of her at the grocery store, and often motioned for other cars to go before her. She may not have much in the way of financial means, but she could still have a generous spirit whenever possible. She naturally smiled broadly as she held the door open for others, and was generally rewarded with a smile in return, (except for the woman who was too busy talking on the telephone to respond).  

     I have raised my children to be generous in spirit. My oldest son, Francis, who is blind, has devoted his life to creating accessible technology for people with disabilities. He was the first to develop voice-over technology for phones for the blind, a breakthrough that earned him a prestigious national award. A new feature includes eye tracking, which will make an impact in the lives of a wide range of users with severe muscular disabilities by providing a way to communicate and use their devices utilizing a front facing camera.  Despite his genius, Francis is also known for small, thoughtful gestures. I remember picking him up at the bus station in Providence after he flew in from Boston. As he got off the bus, he passed a homeless man searching through a trash can. Without hesitation, Francis pulled out a 10-dollar bill, handed it to the man, and continued on to meet me.    

     My son Steven, though he has a limited income, has a big heart. He often helps people move and fixes their cars without expecting anything in return. He's also naturally friendly toward individuals with disabilities and loves practicing his sign language with deaf strangers, always eager to connect with them.    

     Several friends of mine donate blood regularly, a selfless act that directly provides health benefits for those in need. Just complimenting others is a simple way to show kindness, especially when it is someone who would not regularly receive compliments.  It is easy to compliment a beautiful woman in gorgeous clothing, but it takes more effort to see something good in a more ordinary person.  I have been known to smile and say, “What a cute shirt!” to someone a little less attractive, or “I love your haircut!” which brightens both their day and mine.

     Donating to a nonprofit can benefit both the organization and ourselves. While I may not always be able to contribute financially, I can still make a difference by cleaning out my closet and gathering a bag of gently used clothing to donate to the Salvation Army. These donations help fund rehabilitation programs that "heal addictions, change lives, and restore families," while also providing quality clothing for those in need. It feels good to know that my tidy closet can offer support to others.   

      Research consistently shows that helping others can have a profound positive impact on our mental and physical health. Acts of kindness and generosity trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which help reduce stress and create feelings of happiness and emotional warmth. These chemical responses not only improve our emotional well-being but also lower blood pressure and promote heart health, proving that doing good has tangible benefits for our bodies. It can also create a sense of purpose and connection, combating feelings of loneliness or depression. In short, doing good truly does us good!