Corinne's Good Deed Dare

Lately I have been impressed to write what I will call my "Good Deed Dare." Basically what that is, is the code I attempt to live my life by on a daily basis. It is NOT easy, and it requires sacrifices, but I promise you it is worth it. My "daily deeds" have become almost a natural high for me. The second I do the good deed, I get a rush of adrenaline and I feel so good about the universe. I warn you that these dailydeeds may become addicting. You wont always see their sweetest points come to fruition, but you will know you have set something amazing in motion. I challenge you, to do one good deed per day, even if it is small and slight. It will start a chain reaction that will snowball some infinite number of connections down the line that you may never see, but will know of its possibility. That brief connection, where you're tree of life, touches branches with someone else's, will light you up. Take joy in that tiny moment when your two lives meet, and good is done.

I have provided below some ideas of daily deeds you could do. Some are small commitments, some are big ones. Choose the ones you feel you can apply yourself to, and go into the world spreading joy. :)This is a CHALLENGE. It will not be easy, but please, I urge you to try it.

Day 1:Smile and make eye contact
So often these days, when we are standing in line at the grocery store, or walking down a long corridor, we retreat into our technology. I sat at a Toyota repair shop with three other people, not a single one of them said hello, or even looked up from their phones. When you walk along the street, put your phone away. Your emails and notifications will still be there when you pick it up later. Enjoy the human contact around you. Smile at strangers. Say "Good Morning." It might make their day.

Day 2: Pay it forward (literally)
Sometimes when I am in a drive thru line, I will pay for the person behind me's order. If you are in line at a Starbucks, or a taco bell, or Wendy's, take a moment to pay for the person behind you. I never see the look on their face as I have already driven away, but it makes my heart race and fills me with joy thinking about how it might have made their morning a little better.

Day 3: Say "I love you"
Send a message, short or long, to a family member you may not have spoken to in a while. Let them know that you love them, or even just ask how they are doing. (BE WILLING TO LISTEN.) Their first response may be reflex. "Oh I'm fine." Stay interested. You never know what may be waiting to lean on you.

Day 4: Volunteer
Find a local charity that you can be passionate about and find ways that you can give back or serve. I have volunteered for a charity called "The Grateful Garment." They are a charity that provides clothes, and comfortable environments to victims of Rape and Sexual assault reporting their crime at Police Stations. I took some time to fold and sort through donated clothes. See how you can help out in your own community.
http://gratefulgarment.org/

Day 5: Local Police and Fire
Whether you are Liberal or Conservative, support our country's judicial system or not, our Police and Fire don't care. They will save you regardless of what you say about them or to them. Their job is to serve and protect us ALL. I have taken the time to bring Cookies, Pies, and Dinner to my local Police and Fire stations. If this is something you would like to do, please call the station ahead of time to be sure one of their Firefighters has not already planned a meal. In some cities it is technically not allowed as it is a "gift to the city". But there are ways around it. Like show up with food. ;)

Day 6: Pray for strangers
Whether you believe in the power of prayer or not, it cannot be denied that a single positive thought can do good. Whether through prayer or just in kind thoughts, good can be done without words. Noetic Science has done many studies on the measurable physical evidence of Human Thought, and the atomic weight of it. Its very interesting. Either way, take a moment when you see someone unhappy or in pain to focus positive thought and energy on that person. I promise it will affect them.

Day7: Spend and Entire day in Good Language
The words we use set the tone for our souls. If I spent the morning grumbling to my son in his crib, and then grumbling to my students, that rythum of sour energy gets passed along. Spend the day saying only words of encouragement, even if you are not too encouraged yourself. Tell your Husband he looks very handsome this morning, or praise your daughter for putting her shoes away without complaining. Raise those around you up.

Day 8: Do your Spouse's chore
Jason's chores in our home are, Trash, Dishes, and Bottle prep. Every now and then we switch a few chores. Or I will do the dishes if I see them getting piled, or because I want to spend time with him after dinner so I do the dishes earlier. Its a small gesture that will go a long way in a peaceful cooperative home.

Day 9: Adopt a Military Service Man or Woman
No Marine, Soldier, Airman, Sailor, or Coastie ever deserves to go through a Deployment without support from someone. I have adopted two Marines who are currently deployed that I send packages and letters to. This requires a big commitment on your part, but if you are willing...here is the site you can sign up through. It allows you to request your preferred Military Branch, and whether you would like to write to a Man, Woman, or entire Family, or Unit.
http://www.adoptahero.us/adoptamarine.htm

Day 10: Meet your Neighbors
I live in apartment complex, so for me this means meeting at least 12 people who live in my building. But that's great!! I had left over birthday cake from Hunter's 1st Birthday so I used that as an excuse to meet and say hi to my neighbors. I took a slice of cake to each neighbor and introduced myself. It is a great way to help your neighbors and community feel a little more united and together.

I urge you to come up with more ideas yourself. Burn a CD for a friend of songs that remind you of them, Bring a meal to a friend in need, or whisper a silent prayer for someone in need of strength. Its time this world started thinking a little more outside of the self. This is my challenge! Are you up for it?

Corinne Oestreich