Brighten Your Day

I am a mum, a wife and an author of “Tea with the Dutchess: How to do anything with style”.

I have made it a habit to tell my children to make good choices, every day when dropping them off to school or to their activities, and while blowing them my goodbye kisses, I whisper “bring your manners with you”. This might sound like I am about to give a lecture; however, I believe that manners bring kindness to the world, and kindness is what this world needs doses of.

There is nothing old-fashioned about good old manners. Elegance and charm are not merely relics of the past but essential virtues that can enhance personal and professional success in the present. Qualities such as kindness, elegance and grace and spreading some common sense can transcend material wealth and outward appearances.

What I tell my children is simple. Besides your manners, bring your acts of kindness with you, and generously spread them. From offering your seat to an elder, to leaving a space better than you found it, these little things will not go unnoticed. A smile, a gentle or uplifting word to a stranger or a friend may have a bigger impact than you think. It may sound so simple, but in simplicity lives in the most wonderful things. Expect the good in people, carry yourself with grace, and let your inner beauty shine through your actions.

When laying your head to rest at night, ask yourself if you made an impact on someone’s life today.

Did you make someone smile?
Did you offer a helping hand?
Did you speak words of kindness?

If the answer is yes to even one of these questions, the chances are that you have made a heart sing, restored a bit of hopefulness in humanity or simply elevated a mood. Keep carrying that imaginary jar of fairy dust with you and sprinkle it wherever you go.