Personifying Yellow on a Blue Day

By Anna Hill

My favourite colour is yellow, because when I look at it, I can’t help but smile. Yellow is the moment when the sun pours through the windows and its glow warms my face. Yellow reminds me that hard times will pass, flowers will blossom, and I have things to be thankful for.

Whenever I feel blue, I’m reminded of an often repeated saying in my family: ‘Do something kind for someone else’. I now wonder if another way of saying that is ‘be yellow personified’.

Recently, in an article published by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation, ‘Kindness Matters Guide’, CEO Mark Rowland writes: ‘You may recognise the expression “it is better to give than receive”, but did you know this is backed up by research?’ Rowland goes on, ‘Evidence shows that helping others can also benefit our own mental health and wellbeing. For example, it can reduce stress as well as improve mood, self-esteem and happiness.’

The article though, does warn against overdoing it—giving too much of yourself, going beyond your means or not leaving enough kindness for yourself, but the act of giving could also shift your mind off a tough space you might be in and give you a sense of purpose.

That sage expression referred to by Rowland, ‘It is better to give than receive…’ is credited to Jesus, by Paul in Acts 20:35. What I love about the article is the focus on our individual commitment to giving kindness in our words and actions. When I reflect on Jesus—and Paul—their expressions of kindness and their giving didn’t just focus on material prosperity. Paul wrote letters of sincere encouragement, and Jesus freely gave what many would consider the greatest gift of all—an outpouring of grace.

Giving or personifying yellow could be something as simple as a word of encouragement. Irrespective of what you know or don’t know about someone, you might graciously offer to carry their groceries, make them a hot drink, or just stop for a chat. I once heard how the humble question: ‘How can I make your day better?’ helped rescue a relationship from despair.

Kindness starts in our closest and most intimate relationships with our immediate family members. Once we have practised the art of personifying yellow (with a steady supply of donuts), we can be sure the love, care and encouragement will spread out to other relationships.

You may have the opportunity to provide a glimmer of yellow through someone’s window. A simple act of personifying yellow in someone’s blue day could make the difference not only in your day, but for the person receiving the sunshine.