Growing up, we are taught to lend a helping hand whenever someone is in need. Whether it's lending our time, knowledge, or skill, we all have so much we can offer to the world. Not only do we have the ability to transform someone else's entire day, we have the ability to transform our own day. The littlest deeds can make the biggest difference in someone's day. So when you have the opportunity to lend a helping hand, you should.

What got me thinking about this topic was a recent incident at the post office. An older woman wanted my advice on whether or not she should tape her box even though it came pre-sealed. After giving my advice that she should tape it to reinforce it, she asked where she could find tape to use. Knowing I had more than enough, I offered to help her tape her boxes with my own tape. Not only could I tell that she was extremely thankful and grateful for help, I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to help. I walked away from the post office that day feeling like I really made a difference in someone's day and offered a helping hand. Not to toot my own horn, but I think the simplest actions of help can go the longest way.

When you have the opportunity to help, I believe you always should. Not only will the recipient of your help walk away feeling good, you'll walk away feeling good as well. Helping someone out can truly turn your entire day around. I'm not saying you need to go out of your way constantly to help people, but it doesn't hurt to help people from time to time. The most classic example of a good deed is helping an elderly person cross the street or carry their groceries, however, there are many other good deeds waiting to be done. Some good deeds include assisting someone on how to do something they don't seem to know how to do, helping someone find or reach something, helping someone with directions, etc. There are plenty of every day tasks people will be more than grateful for help with despite their age, race, gender, etc. Even you'll need a helping hand at some point and will be grateful when someone takes time out of their day to help you.

It's important to note that your good deed won't always go noticed and may not be directly appreciated, but that doesn't mean it was any less of a good deed. Whether both parties acknowledge it or not, you can walk away feeling like you made a difference. It's also important to note that you shouldn't be doing good deeds solely for your own benefit of feeling good, but rather be doing them because you want to help and make a difference for someone else.