Many of us enjoy Christmas.
For some, the pleasure lies in receiving or giving gifts, for others it’s all about having an annual holiday break, while most people enjoy the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.
Never hesitate to express gratitude to those who work harder during the festive season, like road traffic police, who work out in the hot sun just to ensure we arrive safely at our destination.
Other individuals also work as we enjoy our break, such as doctors, nurses and various medical personnel, including ambulance and emergency services staff.
At this time of the year, those employed at institutions that provide care for the elderly, the vulnerable, and orphans or children from distressed families will continue their duties.
They are also expected to do that little extra so that Christmas will be a special occasion for those in their care.
The staff at correctional service centres, where duties are not suspended due to Christmas, should also be spared a thought. Same for the fire brigade and security services that are on high-alert mode at this time of year.
Remember, members of the police, medics, emergency services personnel and prison warders also have relatives and friends.
Our holiday season incorporating the festive season is a special occasion in Christendom, as the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated, and over this period peace, goodwill and kindness come to the fore.
ident while I waited in line at a public sector entity.
The government department was experiencing electronic connectivity issues, which meant that service fee payments had to be made in cash and affected those who intended to pay electronically.
An old man came to the rescue, and in a random act of kindness (RAK), he handed cash for the required fee to others in the queue. He refused to provide his name and bank details to the beneficiaries, who pleaded for this information to refund him later.
This RAK resulted in a domino effect, and soon people became genuinely friendly, obligingly exhibiting empathy and respect for others in the queue.
A RAK is rendered spontaneously with no anticipation of reward or repayment.
Health researchers suggest that RAKs increase oxytocin, which gives one a warm fuzzy feeling and in turn reduces stress and anxiety, and even lowers blood pressure, thereby improving heart health.
RAKs make our world a better place, and it is known – as I can personally attest – that a RAK triggers a ripple effect.
A RAK is more than dishing out money, as there are many other ways to bring happiness to strangers.
For example, pause to greet street vendors rather than ignoring and merely viewing them as mess-makers.
Car guards are often considered rent-seekers, yet they earn an honest income from those coins to feed their families.
Observe those you know have endured difficult times, greet them warmly. This may seem like an insignificant RAK, but it’s important to that individual.
Develop a habit of being a RAK activist all the time and not only during the festive season.
Those on the receiving end of a good deed know that rendering one in return brings joy and happiness – both to the giver and the receiver.
- Danny Meyer is reachable at e-mail address danny@smecompete.com
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