Gently Caring…

The one thing that I enjoy doing is people watching. You can see so much of the world, if you just stop long enough to watch people and how they react to one another. I find that you see the truth of an individual’s character when you watch them when they don’t realize it and today I saw a thing of true beauty…

I went to Kroger with my mother and decided to wait in the car as she went in to pick up an item. It was silly for me to go in for what was only going to be a few minutes. As I sat there in the car, I watched a gentleman assisting a lady from their car, to her wheelchair. Now you may wonder what’s beautiful about something so simple, but I promise you that what I saw was nothing short of breathtaking.

It wasn’t merely the care that he took to assisting her to the wheelchair (and there certainly was that), but the gentleness in his expression. He helped her to the seat and even retrieved something from the trunk; the whole time with clear concern for her well-being. There also was a gentle calmness with all that he did, getting everything in order before wheeling her into the store. Never seeming “put out” for having to assist, but like a deep caring respect for his companion and simply glad to help.

We all know that this type of behavior should be something we see every day, but sadly it isn’t the case. So often people look at our senior citizens as if they’re a burden to society; when in fact, if they would slow down, these individuals would see that our older generations are a gift with so much to offer. They hold the keys to our past, with amazing stories from their lives and times we’ll never see. It only takes a little time and kindness on our parts.

We should all show the caring and kindness of this gentleman… It would make this world a much warmer and happier place. So, my challenge to you… Go out and show some kindness to a senior in your life, show them that they are important and that they are worth the effort. It will likely be something magical you get in return.

“The years teach much which the days never knew.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

How to Be a Superhero…

These days it seems like everyone is looking for a reason to argue over anything and everything. Looking for reasons to sue one another, debate issues where there are none, and or creating new ways to get angry. We also wonder why our lives are so stressful and unhappy. What amazes me is that so few seem to consider that a little kindness would not only make others see them as a hero, but they would be a hero to themselves and their health.

When we do the little things like smiling at a stranger (not in a strange way, people) or helping someone in need, it makes others feel good, but more importantly it improves how we feel. The key is not to look for something in return and then we’ll never be disappointed.

We never know what the other guy is going through or what load he is carrying, you may be the only person between him and giving up. You may never know what that smile did for that person or what a small act of kindness meant, but that’s not what counts… What counts is that you did it to begin with.

There are more ways to be a hero to someone than I can ever suggest, but here are some ideas to get started with:

1) When someone has had surgery and you’re dropping off food, stay and visit some. If they don’t feel up to it they’ll let you know, but so often people just drop the food and leave. Recovering or going through treatment can be a long and lonely process and the visit could be “gold” to that person.

2) Know your neighbors, not just their names. No one seems to take the time to get to know their neighbors and it’s a sad statement to how society has changed. Once upon a time, people had block parties and neighbors were friends, not strangers. When someone moves in, introduce yourself, take them some cookies, and offer a kind welcome. You could be meeting your next best friend.

3) Care for the elderly… We have such a growing number of them and so often they are ignored. A proud lot, they rarely ask for help and often can use it. The stories they have to offer and wisdom can be worth gold, if you take the time to listen and care.

4) Be the extended family to friends and families that don’t have this… Care and offer a hand.

This is just a handful of ways to make a difference and be a hero to those around us. The world moves so fast and lives are filled with so much “stuff” people are forgetting the little things and the “little things” matter more than most realize.

Get out there and be a superhero… We are the only way to make a difference and change the world. We just might have fun in the process.

Have a wonderful week!

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” ~ William James