Reaching Out to Help; Little Things Mean a Lot
By Sandy Schroeder
Maintaining a daily pace with work and family can be a lot, but when we see others struggling we often want to do more.
You may have friends struggling with career decisions. Older relatives may be in a senior crunch with a loss of mobility or ongoing pain. Neighbors may have to juggle work and kids as they cope with time and money pressures. Whatever your friends, relatives and neighbors are doing, here are some ways to help from ChildDevelopmentInfo.com.
How to Help
Little things really do mean a lot when you take the time to be there.
Simply listen - Seniors who live alone may be delighted to just talk about their day or share their favorite garden tips. Young moms who never get everything done will benefit from having a cup of tea and a reassuring listener.
Do short visits with surprises - Stop by to visit someone who is housebound. Bring cookies and a smile, checking to make sure your friend or neighbor is doing well.
Solve daily problems - Shop for someone or take them with you to shop. Provide a ride to the doctor’s office, or run errands to pick up prescriptions or other supplies.
Compliment someone - Notice a new hat, or a nice piece of jewelry, to lift the spirits of someone who is lonely or sad.
Help someone do something - Show a senior how to use a computer or smartphone. Practice soccer with a new young player, or teach a young mom how to make a pie.
Donate time, talents or supplies - Take your kids along to participate in a cleanup at the park, or help out at an animal shelter. Bake cookies and spend some time helping at a senior care facility.
Keep an open door - If it works for you, make your home a place where friends, relatives and neighbors can stop by and stay awhlle. My grandparents and parents were masters at making people comfortable. There were always cookies, hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and time to sit and talk. If your work space makes this difficult to achieve, plan weekend suppers instead for friends and family with chili and salads.
At the end of the day, when you are too tired to do more, this brief compassion meditation can be a comfort. Think of someone who needs help. Close your eyes and repeat, “I wish you peace. I wish you love. I wish you happiness.”
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.in League City, Tex.