Good Deed of the Week

February 8, 2012 8:51 am CT

Here at Driving the Midwest, we believe in paying it forward and celebrating good deeds and random acts of kindness. These selfless acts not only make a stranger’s day, but make a difference in our communities.

However, this week we’re inviting you to do something good for yourself. That’s right – you!

If you rarely treat yourself to something special, pamper yourself or simply take an hour of the day to do what you want to do, give it a shot. Why?

• Your mood affects the mood of those around you. By focusing on yourself and doing something for you, you’ll be more inclined to spread the cheer.
• You’ll handle stressful situations better. When you’re calm and able to find happiness, situations that might normally cause distress will seem easier to handle.
• You might discover something about yourself you didn’t previously know. Setting aside “me time” will give you the chance to learn new things about yourself; this concept can seem scary, but is often exhilarating.
• You deserve it.

No matter what you choose to do – read a book, take a nap, treat yourself at a salon or work on your own happiness project – make it a point to take care of you. For me, a little “me time” includes cooking up a new dish in the kitchen and flipping through a magazine, and it’s just what I need to brighten my days.

We hope you’ll share your story with us below!