Have you done anything nice for others outside of Steem lately with no expectations of something in return? You know, offline, in the real world... reality.

If you're quick to say yes, you're awesome.

If you're struggling to think of anything, change that today.

Some people seem to distrust kindness without strings or agendas. It may be harder to find these days, but some people simply enjoy doing things for others, or the act of giving. Anyone can, but most don't. Extrapolate this over our societies and perhaps that's part of why many people are so unhappy and lost. Ego is a lonely island.

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With my first post in over a month here, I'm trying to stay adopted with a positive contribution to combat the negative energy from toxic Steem posts and responses I tripped on last night. These often ruin my experience and get me to log out for extended periods of time. Just imagine how newcomers or pending investors must feel.

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<center> Gesture # 1 </center>

I saw an older man drop $100 cash while walking up to a subway car on my way home for a family dinner on NYE. I ran across the platform to get it and then return it to him just before he got on the train. He was shocked and gave a nice gracious thank you. If I hadn't acted immediately or talked myself out of it, he'd have been on his way uptown and the money would've been all mine. $100 is nice, but I prefer to do the right thing.

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<center> Gesture # 2 </center>

I gave my little nephews this badass bike I found for free in my city's curb recycling for Christmas. It costs $330 new, and I could've easily gotten $150 cash for reselling it as it was near mint, but I immediately knew it'd be their gift. The joy on the oldest one's face for several days was priceless. The other was too little to appreciate it yet.  

Also, to their amazement, I gave my sister a new black Kate Spade clutch, and her husband a perfect condition hooded jacket that was precisely his style (which he really liked) -- both casually found in the curb recycling. Since we have a large house with weak wifi upstairs, I also gave my Mom a top notch wireless range extender I naturally found outside. We do simple gifts at this stage with the focus being on the kids.

<center>  ![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZzRdSBTnf6b2bkmmdGjvoWbNrKeJz4epF9X4AZPqDU3A/image.png)</center> 

Right before its maiden voyage on a snow mound and natural terrain. My 3.5 year old nephew rode it every day on his visit. When he outgrows it, my 1.5 year old nephew will have his turn, and then they can sell it for a decent amount.

<center> ![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSCNZyn15D49eMKze3LqKUhRRUuHhgMCyChfUqhFJcN6o/image.png)</center> 

"Proof of bike" on 11/9/2019, exactly as found at 3 AM. I left the other stuff.

<center> ![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYT3SR6tmTaZMcSqY4QcNXDE9fAvxp5YM6Y3tGgJBKXLQ/image.png)</center> 

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<center> Gesture # 3 </center>

While I was home for the holidays, I found an old picture of my Aunt and Uncle when they just met in 1983. It was such a loving picture filled with happiness and (what turned out to be) true love in the making. It was pretty moving, so I took a shot of it to text to my Uncle, calling them roles model for their successful marriage. He responded that he was brought to tears and then called me to say some very nice things. The gesture really meant a lot to him for some reason, more than I could've anticipated.

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<center> Gesture # 4 </center>

A while back, I found large Le Creuset dutch oven outside on the curbs with food burned in it that looked like it was from the pits of hell. I spent way too many hours over a week painstakingly removing every speck of charred food and black marks on the bottom, and bleaching the enamel, before giving it to a friend of mine as a gift for her help. I often ask my friends for a wish list of things they could use, and this was ironically what she asked for. I also recently gave my friends a flawless white marble slab that they turned into a bar table, as well as a complete upright Shark Navigator vacuum with a full bag of accessories and attachments. 

Original gift after cleaning:

<center> ![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmebxYXMmPziSoPGhkHG3UJsdiC5ca6Suxgof7Sb3Y88AH/image.png)</center> 

<center> ![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmW9BHquN9Donwox84kWmQZt2TPA5Qf4xzM67he82b7hKz/image.png)</center> 

_You said nice things you've done **lately...**_

Well, since this friend has always been there for me with valuable advice during tough times, I found and kept 3 more orange Le Creuset cast iron pots/pans over the last year to surprise her with when the time was right. The color coincidence was too perfect.

Well, the time has come and I'll be restoring 3 more pieces (albeit not nearly as hard as the one above) to give to her at lunch next weekend. She's thrilled for her soon-to-be set of 4 as a thank you for getting her opinion on a difficulty decision I need to make soon. _Her advice is that good and she always seems to be spot on when judging someone's character._ 

All of these would've sold for a nice amount, but it was fate that I found all of these in the same color... and I won't mess with it. I'll probably post more on this when I finish cleaning them.

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<center> Gesture # 5 </center>

Just after a leg workout at the gym, I saw that my new neighbors had two large boxes delivered on the first floor. Before I felt how heavy they were, I committed to bringing them up 4 flights to build rapport for future drumming requests. 

I quickly realized the pet company boxes were ridiculously heavy, i.e., a huge bag of dry cat food and/or litter, and enough supplies for an entire animal shelter. I couldn't believe how all of this could be for one tuxedo cat. Regardless, I stacked them up and powered through burning legs to bring them to their door without a note or clue that it was me. Most people would've said "Ffff that," or made two trips, but I don't back down from commitments.

I guess they figured it out it was me from when I brought their new air conditioner up a few months ago.

<center>  ![](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmef8oNCa9fxGgbaHtHPV945M3oQdR27fC7a9Pbm7GCjKX/image.png)</center> 

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#### Oh yeah... and I'm still recycling tons of household items every week to sell, repair, reuse, gift, and/or donate to thrift stores.

#### I'm not special for doing these things. We're all capable. 

#### Let's make the world a better place, in the real world.
####

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_Per above, this is my small way to combat toxic and abusive language by self-proclaimed leaders/constables that drive me off Steem. I'm sickened by the exposure and support they get for their antagonizing behavior and instability. The ensuing gaslighting of those they trigger is worse. If one does plenty of good, but is abusive and manipulative 20% of the time, they're still abusers and manipulators. Period. Please project this behavior privately or in a more constructive way. Alternatively, take care of yourself in the real world so there's no need to project here.  This is a promising blockchain-based social media platform, not a Jerry Springer audience or funny farm._

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Thanks to @alexvan for nudging me to check in with a mention on his last DIY income post.

Feel free to share some of your recent examples if you're gone out of your way to do something nice for others.

@steemmatt