College Success: Pay it forward.

Write thank you notes to people who add value to your life, for even the smallest of things.

Perhaps a professor gave you an extension on a paper or project.  

Maybe the cashier lady in the Commons is especially helpful and nice to you.  

A classmate offers to carry some of your stuff, or gives you a compliment.  

A security guard walks you to your car and waits until you're safely inside and the car starts.

These are all acts of kindness, and they deserve your recognition.

A short note expressing your appreciation for the specific gesture is not only good manners, but it will make the person feel great for having been nice to you, and it shows that you acknowledge that what they've done for you affected you in a positive way.  [Wouldn't you want someone to appreciate something you've done for them?]

This little note can make a big difference.

Slip the note under the professor's door, put it on your classmate's seat, hand it to the cashier lady when you pay for your food, or hand it to the security supervisor and let her know that one of her crew went out of his/her way for you.  

Your benefactors will be surprised and happy, and they'll be encouraged to continue doing good deeds.  As a bonus, thank-yous are a way for you to pay it forward and do something nice for someone else in return.

(c)2011-2016 Robyn King.  All Rights Reserved.

Relationships: Feb. 14th...Do something nice for yourself instead.

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I heard on the news last night that in the United States alone, people spend over $1 billion (yes, I said BILLION) on Valentine's Day.  All I can say is...Really.  Are you freakin' kidding me?

In my work, I hear all too often from unattached folks about the heartbreak of not "being with someone," and the reminder that they are alone...again...on a major holiday like Valentine's Day.  

Those who are in a relationship worry and are annoyed by the expectations of "having to do something" for their partners...but not knowing what to do, how much to do, and how they're going to pay for it.  

It saddens me that a day dedicated to show our love and appreciation with loved ones is so ridden with angst, disappointment and profound sadness.

Let's change that way of thinking today.  Right now.

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Regardless of your "connection-status," I propose that each of us take a moment every day and show our love and appreciation first for ourselves.  

Think about how far you've come, how grateful you are for the opportunities brought your way, your health, and list all of the things that are wonderful about you.

I know, I know...you think this is loon crazy.  But hear me out.  Only when we truly love ourselves as we are today, will we ever be able to feel true love for someone else.  It's impossible to be loved by someone worthy if we don't first feel deserving and worthy ourselves.

If you're single, do something nice for yourself today.  Take yourself out to eat, go to a movie with friends, or buy a small box of your favorite candy (that you don't have to share with anyone!).  

And contrary to the ridiculous statistic I mentioned above, those of you who are in a relationship need not spend a lot of money to show your partner how you feel.  A card, one flower, a heartfelt spoken expression of your appreciation, gratitude and love will do the job.  For realz.

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Anyhoo...I have written a series of blog entries that I hope you'll find informative, interesting and helpful.  I call it the "ABC's of Healthy Relationships," and its purpose is to remind people how to love themselves first, and how to treat their partners (or potential partners) in ways that will up the chances of having the best relationships ever.

PS:  Happy Valentine's Day to Me...and You.   


(c) 2012-2017 Robyn  King.  All Rights Reserved.