Giving Service: A Cure for What Ails You

By Brigit Atkin

These are hard times: economic woes, wars, sickness, and general uncertainty abound. The worry and stress of these things often result in flight-fight-freeze mode, sadness, and depression. So what to do in times such as these? While there is certainly a time to attend to your own personal needs, I’d like to focus this article on the different ways giving service to others can also bless your circumstances.

I’m going to share a very personal experience and do so only because it might help you see how your efforts may impact someone else. One Christmas years ago, I decided my family needed to think of the needs of others more than their own wants. I had teenagers at the time and felt that my family needed the experience of personally reaching out and giving to others.

I pondered on and looked for different opportunities to serve and give, but it was my youngest daughter who presented the perfect chance: her own friend was in need. This friend’s mother was single with three teenagers.They lived in humble circumstances, and the family realized there would be no Christmas gifts that year. What a perfect opportunity! My family got busy. We put together a hodgepodge of gifts, something for everyone. We didn’t spend a lot of money, but we did what we could to make it a special season for this friend and her family.

Late on Christmas Eve, we doorbell-ditched this large basket of wonders. I’m sure many of you have done things like this before. What made this special to us was that this friend of my daughter’s sent her a text of the play-by-play as we drove home. Of course, she didn’t know it was us. She proceeded to tell my daughter that her mom was sitting in the middle of these gifts, crying. Her mom said, “Someone cares. Someone loves me.” I don’t remember a time when I’ve cried such happy tears myself because I was able to help another. I’ve had many wonderful Christmases, but none stand out in my memory as much as that one did. It filled me with complete joy that our efforts could make such a big impact on someone else.

I submit that you, too, can help another who is struggling more than you are. It does not require a big effort. So many times, it is the small things—literally a thoughtful moment— that can change the heart of another.

Some ideas:

• Going to the grocery store? Check with a neighbor or someone homebound to see if you can pick something up for them.

• Send a text with a sincere compliment or words of encouragement to someone you feel needs it.

• Invite a neighbor over for dinner who might need the company.

• Go visit someone who is recovering from surgery or an illness. Cabin fever can really get to people.

• Check in on a widow/widower in your neighborhood. They might like a visit, or they might want some help. Find out what they need. If you can do it, great. If not, check around to see who can.

• If you don’t have much time but you do have money, hire a cleaning service for someone you know who could use the help, or order them a pizza for dinner.

• Is someone you know without a car? Offer an hour or so of your time, and take them to run errands.

• Do you have an aging parent? Carve out time to sit with them and record their history.

These are just some ideas. I promise that if you will open your heart and mind and pray for direction, you will find many in need all around you. You will find the one particular person who needs something especially from you.

And here’s the thing: it blesses your own life. It’s like magic. Problems suddenly recede, new ideas to solve a dilemma come to mind, and your own needs get met.

If ever there was a time to look out for one another, it is now. Conditions in the world aren’t likely to get better in the near future. But don’t despair. You have the ability to bring about good! You were put here to connect with others, to serve, to cheer hearts. I promise you as I write this that someone needs you right now. Even if you feel you have nothing or little to offer, you are wrong. You do! Look for opportunities and act from the heart. Even a warm smile can lift a sad soul. Dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison said, “Learn the craft of knowing how to open your heart and to turn on your creativity. There’s a light inside of you.” The world awaits.

About the Author

Brigit Atkin–Brigit of Brightworks helps improve the lives of others facing challenges and difficulties. She is certified in the SimplyALIGN™ method and was trained by founder Carolyn Cooper herself. For more information, visit www.brightworksbybrigit.com.

Brigit Atkin