Could we start a thread encouraging us to be nice and to try to make a difference in the world please?

[1234change4321]

Even if it's just planting a flower in your own garden or complimenting a stranger? Or even just chatting to a neighbour.

I've had a really rough couple of years in my family, really rough. It's opened my eyes to the sadness of the world and really just made me bitter and resentful and a bit whiney. Lots of "why me?" and even more of the "it's just not fair!" variety.

I started this thread by writing down everything bad that's happened to me in the last couple of years but deleted it because it's not about that! It's about changing habits and being nice. Being good and changing for the better.

I can't help but feel like I've brought my children into the world in a time of turmoil and uncertainty and my focus has been on my extended families troubles and the troubles of the world with a hell of a lot more complaining than my parents ever did.

I want to go out tonight after work, cut the grass and get a border ready to plant some flowers for spring. My garden is a mess and I'm going to start there. Anyone doing anything nice?

Sounds lovely op. I’ve had a bit of a year and am disappointed at how negative I am now and unmotivated but it is the loveliest time of year to try to get back! Can hear the birds outside and going to have a pampery shower before work

edited to add I work in retail so I do spread a smile or two as has to be done!

We’ve started doing couch to 5k as a family of 4 in the evenings. The 7 year old and the baby (in the pram) think it’s an exciting treat, not realising that they are being dragged along so that DH and I can try and get back in better shape and health. We must look like a right bizarre group in the evening 😅 But it’s good for our health, and we all have a sweaty happy high five at the end.

Hi OP. I've been having a rough time too. I just hired a gardener and cleaned to help me have a sort it. Best decision ever. Bought a mini greenhouse yesterday with lots of seeds and am going to plant them all into pots later with my son. It definitely makes a difference to find a little time to do something nice, even if it's a small act. Hope you feel better soon.

@stayathomer
yes absolutely same here. I'm disappointed in my new attitude. I have a new colleague working in my department and they wouldn't know the 'real' me. They only know this new moaner! Time for a change.
I'm customers facing too. extra nice today I think!

@franrix what a lovely thing to do for the kids aswell. hopefully they'll keep the habit of regular excersise up for their whole lives. I never though of doing couch to 5k as a family

@BreakingPoint555 oh that sounds lovely.
you'll have to keep updating on here how the seeds are getting on.
our sunflowers have got some true leaves and are thriving. absolute blessing. spring really is great time for turning things around!

I am trying to smile more and be nice. I was utterly shocked at myself once in a supermarket. It was around Covid time when there was a shortage of stuff in the supermarket. I had been to 3 supermarkets and not got eggs or potatoes. I cannot remember if I managed in the end and truthfully as I am on my own I did not need specific things to make a meal but some poor sod asked (not barged in front) if he could go first as he only had one item and my inner Karen came out. I heard this awful voice ranting and actually looked around and was shocked that it was me! I always let people in front if they only have one item so was really ashamed at myself!!

What a lovely thread OP, I was thinking the same whilst watching the Pope's funeral this morning. I'm not sure the world is any worse now than it used to be, it's just worse in different ways. We are also more aware of everything because on the internet and constant news we get. 50 yrs ago you only knew about what was on your door step or what was in the daily paper. 100's years ago you only knew about the stuff on your door step or news that arrived by letter which took months to arrive. There's much more positive stuff going on, we just don't get to see this as much as the bad stuff.

What a nice thread OP. Costs nothing to give a compliment. I'm always surprised when people find it hard to do.