We talk about glorifying those who have served and helped others. But what about ourselves? Are we selfless and caring to ourselves and the people around us? In this review, I try doing an act of service every day for a (work) week.
Written by Janelle Pang
Day 1: Words of Encouragement
I decided to start off by providing words of encouragement. I wrote a note to my friend, Risa, who has been there for me through thick and thin. Seeing her mood brighten up after reading my note made me feel grateful to have friends like her.
Day 2: Food, The Way To The Heart
I would agree that food is the way to someone’s heart and that is what inspired the act of service. It can be as small as buying someone food to make their day. Jia Lin was feeling a little down, so I decided to surprise her with a chocolate chip cookie.
Day 3: Helping Around The House
On day three, I decided to do something for my parents, to thank them for taking care of me for the last 19 years. I offered to wash the dishes for them. Small and easy, but it brought them so much joy.
Day 4: A Love Language
Acts of service are one of the five love languages in relationships. Hence, I decided to pamper my partner by giving him a facial. “Facials teleport me to cloud nine” as quoted by my partner, and seeing him happy makes me happy.
Day 5: For Me, Myself And I
Day five was for me. I decided to treat myself to a cup of bubble tea and some sushi, to reward myself for making my friends feel better the past week. I definitely felt pampered and well taken care of, and am grateful that I gave myself some “me time” to rest.
Doing acts of service this past week has been a truly rewarding experience, one filled with much fulfilment and joy. Seeing the look of gratitude and appreciation in someone’s eyes when you have helped them is truly priceless, and it is a reminder of the positive impact that we can have on others when we choose to make someone’s day a little better.