10 Ways to Help People in Your Own Little Way
Published August 14, 2020
In a world where a simple good deed goes viral, helping others has obviously become the exception rather than the norm. It’s not that we don’t want to help. It’s just that we’re too absorbed with our own lives that we forget others have troubles of their own too.
Because of that inward focus, we tend to think that it’s us who should receive the help and not the one helping. We expect other people to help us yet we’re not willing to help others.
Yes, every one of us deserves help. But going through a tough time ourselves doesn’t mean we’re not in a position to help others. Remember, help comes in various forms. You may not have millions of dollars in your bank account but you can still extend your assistance in other ways. Even very small gestures can make a difference.
Here’s how to help people in your own little way:
1. Practice Kindness
No matter what others say, kindness is never overrated. Every one of us is fighting our own battles. So the least you can do for others is to be kind.
Instead of criticizing them, help them learn the error of their ways. Rather than blaming them for the bad decisions they made, help them make good ones. Choose love over hate and compassion over judgment. Every single time choose to be kind.
2. Offer Your Time
One of the most valuable gifts you can give to someone is your time. Whether it’s your family member or your neighbor, being there for them means a lot. It lets them know that someone cares, that someone’s got their back, and that they are not alone in this fight.
You can also offer your time to give back to the community. Volunteer in local charities, help out in your church, participate in coastal cleanups, and many more. There are a lot of ways you can help by offering your time.
3. Donate Stuff You’re Not Using
Rather than letting them gather dust in your basement, why not just donate those stuff you’re not using? It won’t only clear up space from your storage, you’ll be helping people too.
Many charities like the Salvation Army and Goodwill accept used clothing donations. You can also drop them off at your local soup kitchen. If you’ve got used eyeglasses, you can also donate them to organizations helping visually-impaired people.
4. Support a Cause
By supporting a cause you believe in, you are lending your voice to those who don’t have theirs. The more people rally behind a certain cause, the more awareness it will create. And that awareness can lead to a change in government policies or society’s view of a certain issue. In short, it can change lives.
5. Smile
Don’t ever underestimate the power of a smile. It may cost you nothing but it can mean everything to the person on the receiving end of that smile. It can brighten someone’s day and bring good cheer to those who need it the most.
6. Say Thank You
Just like a smile, a simple thank you can make a difference in someone’s day. After all, wouldn’t you like it when your efforts get appreciated once in a while?
7. Ask How You Can Help
Some people, no matter how desperate their situations are, won’t ask for help. It’s either they’re too shy or they’ve been betrayed before that they’re having a hard time trusting others. So make the first step. Ask them how you can help but don’t stop there. Really help them like you intend to. So they won’t hesitate to speak up the next time they need help.
8. Listen
Sometimes, people don’t need anything other than someone who will listen to them without judgment. Be that someone. Help people by lending your ear. Just listen, don’t interrupt, and keep an open mind. Let them get it all out – their frustrations, heartaches, and troubles. It won’t only make them feel better but you might also learn a thing or two.
9. Teach
For some, learning a new skill can mean a better life. Like when a single mother learns how to bake and earns extra income for the family. Or when someone learns a new language and went on to get a scholarship abroad. So whatever skills or knowledge you have, don’t hesitate to pass it on. Who knows, that skill you have right now could be the key to changing someone’s life.
10. Give an Honest Feedback
Most people consider giving honest feedback as too “brutal”. We’re so afraid of hurting someone, especially if that person is close to us. So instead of telling them what we really think, we tell them what they want to hear.
But giving an honest feedback is helping in itself. As long as your intention is to help and not to bash, there’s nothing wrong with giving constructive criticism. So don’t be afraid to let people know what you really think. They might hate you but it will help them become better at what they do. And that’s all that matters.
Donate To The Poor & Homeless Of South Florida
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless in South Florida over 900,000 hot meals since 1993. Our tax deductible non profit organization also accepts and distributes donations such as clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, and more. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our website.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.