Debbie Tenzer, author of “Do One Nice Thing,” does something simple every week. On Mondays — the most hectic, bothersome day of the week — she finds herself doing one nice thing to change not only how she feels about that day but also the rest of the week.
That is how the book came about. After expressing her frustrations to her friends about all of the negative things in the world, she came to a solution on how to alleviate those issues. In turn, her friends decided to join in. Tenzer, alongside her friends, did one nice deed a week and in doing so the word spread. Each of her friends told all of their acquaintances until doing one nice thing became contagious.
“Do One Nice Thing” is for anyone who has ever wanted to make a difference in the world, and Tenzer shows us how, whether it is on a town or worldwide level. One individual may not be able to solve every major world issue, but by starting small, each person has the capability to make a difference. Together, as each of us commit to one nice thing, we can do something even greater.
The book is straightforward — Tenzer openly suggests that she “never thought someone would ask (her) to write a book” about her philosophy on paying it forward through niceness, but now the book, along with her Web site, DoOneNiceThing.com, has gained popularity.
Each of us can do something as simple as dropping off canned goods to a local homeless shelter or even something more widespread as sending care packages to soldiers in Afghanistan. Whatever deed we choose to do, the outcome becomes a source of hope.
Though released in May, the book is even more appropriate for the month of September in honor of 9-11. In chapter five, “Do One Nice Thing in Town,” Tenzer has a portion entitled “9-1-1 Munchies.” The section is about giving back to your local police and fire officials for all of the work they have done in the community, and most of all, thanking them for putting their lives on the line almost daily.
The book is full of many nice deeds that Tenzer has done, as well as deeds people have done for their community, animals and the planet that we, too, can do on a weekly or even daily basis.
Tenzer’s attitude in helping others is remarkable. Her and those “Nice-o-holics” she exemplifies throughout the book are showcases of how far one nice deed can go, even if it seems small. Tenzer shows readers how easy it is to make a difference in the world even through something as simple as a smile. If anything can be said about Tenzer and this book, it is that she provides us with the knowledge that happiness and laughter are one in the same. Both are contagious.
Rating: W W W W
