Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 1 – Depression - Seven Pounds

I recently met up with a friend for dinner whom I hadn’t seen since a prolonged depression episode back eight months ago. She told me I was looking so much better then when she saw me last. That made me feel so good because I felt acknowledged. She also helped me feel grateful I was currently in a more vibrant state of mind. Being around good friends (and good food!) is actually excellent therapy for me!

Living my life with depression has made me sensitive to seeing similar pain in other people’s eyes. It could be sadness, a sense of loss, hurt or hopelessness. When this happens I do my best to commit a random act of kindness even if it means making eye contact and giving a simple smile or saying hello to a stranger I pass on the sidewalk. Most often their eyes light up and they smile back!

I remember months ago I was walking home with groceries and feeling so low and hopeless. Suddenly an old man walking by  said to me, "Have a great day!" and smiled. That simple act of kindness shocked me out of the negative mood I was in and I felt so much better for the rest of the day!

Seven Pounds (2008)

The drama film, Seven Pounds, is about Tim Thomas (Will Smith) who is on a mission to change the lives of seven people. That’s all you need to know to enjoy this unique story. I recommend you allow this mystery slowly unfold o reveal each precious piece of the puzzle right to the very end. Smith’s performance is emotionally powerful along with Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson and Barry Pepper. See: movie trailer

Smith’s performance is astonishing because of the pain you see him try to hide behind his eyes and body language. And it was fascinating to see a film where you are not sure about the central character’s motives but slowly realize he is committing random acts of kindness. Despite negative reviews by critics I found this film to be a hidden gem for many inspiring themes…

Inspiring themes:
• Selflessness & Altruism
• Perseverance
• Courage
• Sacrifice
• Redemption

Making eye contact with people can be difficult sometimes. However, if you recognize pain, sadness or hopelessness in someone’s eyes remember that a simple smile or hello can lift their spirits in an instance. Acknowledgement is powerful. And if they happen to look good then let them know that too! A random act of kindness can go a long way!

Related Tips:
Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness – Depression - Seven Pounds
Tip#934: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 2 – Dancing Barista – The Ellen DeGeneres Show – It Could Happen to You
Tip#1005: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 3 - Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon
Tip#1067: Random Acts of Kindness, Part 4 – Top 10 Movies for Kindness
Tip#190: Do A Daily Challenge – Pay It Forward 
Tip#751: The Joy of Helping Others - Clueless - Miss Match 
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film)  
Tip#835: You Are Awesome! Part 2 - The Duff 
Tip#326: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 1 - Groundhog Day 
Tip#838: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 2 – Mental Health in the Workplace - What Women Want 
Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter  

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2015