Good Deeds in Lockdown

Every week at the Troop meeting, you are asked, “What is the Scout slogan?” You answer, “Do a Good Turn Daily.” And, like a good Scout, you try to fulfill that promise. You keep aware of your surroundings and see where you can do a good turn for someone in need. Not that hard to do.

But how do you do a good turn daily when you are in lockdown? If you cannot leave the house, how do you find someone you can do something for? I have a suggestion. It may be a bit far fetched and odd at first, but once you get past the initial shock, you will see sense in it. How about doing a good turn for your family?

 “Having family responsibilities and concerns just has to make you a more understanding person.”

Sandra Day O’Connor

U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Here is something you can try. For the next few days, pick a member of the family to watch out for. Do not tell them, or anyone for that matter. Just pay attention to what they are doing and how they are spending their day. See how many times you can do something nice for them without being asked. Do not make a show of it. To make it a real challenge, try to do it and not get caught doing it.

Each day pick a different member of the family. If you have a big family, you have a lot to do. If you have a small family, you can keep repeating your kindness to the same person. Remember that it does not have to be an action. Sometimes just a kind word or a small sacrifice is all that is needed. Like letting some watch what they like on TV rather than what you want even if it is your turn to choose. You will find this not only a great way to do your good turn daily, but it can also be a lot of fun.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2020 John Patrick Hickey