Monday, January 25, 2010

Day 25 - of 30 to a Simplier Life

Simple Ways to Help

We live in a time where the needs in our world, country and community are overwhelming. So much so that sometimes we can feel we can't really make a difference. That is not true, if you can even make one person smile today or encourage someone who is weary with life's difficulties you HAVE made a difference, you make a difference in that one person's life and that is what matters.

So here are some SIMPLE ways to give hope and encouragement to the world around us:
  1. Smile and be friendly. Sometimes we get so busy we don't even look at the person at the checkout counter, or the people we work with or where ever life takes you today. So for today, notice the people around you and if you can, "smile and be friendly" Just give them an encouraging word.
  2. Call a charity to volunteer. Volunteering is one of the most satisfying things you can do. Find an organization you believe in or volunteer in your church - even if it's just once a month or even just a one time thing.
  3. Donate something you don’t use. Or a whole box of somethings. Drop them off at a goodwill or churches that are taking collections for Haiti
  4. Make a donation. There are lots of ways to donate to charities online, or in your local community. You can give $10 through a text message to the Haiti relief fund to the Red Cross. Go without your DnD or Starbucks for a couple weeks.
  5. Comfort someone in grief. Most of us get really nervous in these situations and actually avoid the person, just remember the greatest thing you can do for a person who is grieving is to be there, just to give a hug or a listening ear, that is what they need most. This is a great site to help you do this: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/helping_grieving.htm
  6. Show appreciation, publicly. Praising someone on a blog, in front of coworkers, in front of family, or in some other public way, is a great way to make them feel better about themselves. Just make sure it is sincere.
  7. Be patient. Sometimes people can have difficulty understanding things, or learning to do something right. Learn to be patient with them.
  8. Create a care package. Soup, reading material, tea, chocolate … anything you think the person might need or enjoy. Good for someone who is sick or otherwise in need of a pick-me-up.
  9. Begin a "Do something nice day". Pick one day a week that every week on that day you will specifically do something nice for someone. Here is a site that will give you some great ideas. http://www.helpothers.org/ideas.php
"The core message is that in spite of everything that is going on in the world, you can make it better. You don't need a lot of time or a lot of money."

How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world.
- William Shakespeare

2 comments:

Beverly Walters Whaley said...

Happy Blogging today Auntie K! Had a crazy weekend....and a crazy week ahead...but being busy is a good thing! Your blog today was exciting! Yes, we all need to get involved in the community! I do volunteer at the school.....SCHOOLS too need help...helping the minds of our future generation! Love your blogs...look forward to them daily! Hope your envelope is working out! LOL

CoachK said...

Hey you back! I was worried! Great suggestion...yes schools ARE a great place to volunteer your time.