Thursday, June 12, 2008

Thursdays = things you can do to help others


Recently, a friend of mine was in a funk. Ok, maybe more than that...we're bordering on some pretty serious depression here. Having some huh-hummm experience in that area, I told her the one thing that ALWAYS makes me feel better and puts things in perspective for me is helping other people. I know it sounds cliche, but seriously, it WORKS. Not only do you feel better for doing it, but you see how happy it can make others. PLUS, when you start doing things like that for others, people in general start being nicer to you--maybe even doing little thigns for you, too. That's the one selfish part, and of course you don't expect it, but when it happens it makes you realize that you're worth kindness and sometimes we all need to be reminded of that.

I don't want to sound like I'm braggin' on myself, so I'm not going to go into stories of things I have done, but I'll share some things others have done for me. This picture was taken at the fundraiser that my very good friend and colleague had for my daughter. As you can imagine, her doctor bills are outrageous and if you didn't know...autism is NOT something health insurance covers...and I mean any health insurance...nationwide...not covered. He had his son DJ a small, middle of the day, dance at school. It was great. My daughter came and danced with the big kids and had a bawl. You can see her dancing in the background there. He raised us a lot of money and I am forever grateful.

Another example is that three teens (sons of before mentioned colleague, btw) mow my lawn. I don't even have to call. They keep an eye on it and just come over and do it when it needs to be done. Needless to say, this is wonderful as a professional service costs a fortune and with our doctor bills, we couldn't afford a new mower when we needed one (we have a very big yard). Of course, I slip them a little cash, but nothing like what the value of them doing this is. They are amazing boys and always make me feel cared about, not to mention the fabulousness of having the yard taken care of without worry.

Other things you can do to help others:
take an older neighbor to the store
watch a stay at home mom's kids for a few hours so she can get out
take a few of the cans from your cupboard to a local food bank or meal site
sand bags!!!

More ideas next Thursday. I challenge each of you to try one!

3 comments:

Dorian said...

Great ideas!!

This past weekend my family walked in Autism Speaks Walk Now For Autism event. On the way there, we stopped at McDonalds for breakfast. In the spirit of giving, as many had given to us for the walk, I told my hubby to pay for our order and also the order for the car behind us. You should have seen the smile on his face!! That was so worth it!!!

Paula Reece said...

I totally agree--helping others can be very therapeutic! Sometimes even just some unexpected kindness like a handwritten card or flowers sent anonymously can help brighten someone's day.

You're so lucky to have such special friends (and I know who those special friends are--I think God broke the mold when He made that family!)

Have a super weekend!!

groovyteach said...

dorian and monte--kudos to you for walking last weekend! and double kudos for the drive thru thing-I LOVE IT!!! that happened to me once at a grocery store in college...ya know, the "how am i gonna pay rent?" days...it was so great. i'd totally forgotten that, thanks for reminding me.

pjmomof3boys--i know, they are a thumbs up family...have saved me from myself more than once ;)

also, i know i said there'd be a pic, and there will be...stupid mediacom is down right now so i'm doing this from my parents' house and the pic is on my pc at home :(