One of those areas in our lives where little thought is given to how we effect those around us. It's interesting that we clearly believe that the sun, the weather, the moon, pollution, as well as global warming have a huge effect on all of us on a daily basis, but have no clue that we have the capacity to cause reactions, emotions, good or bad, in another person. If you don't believe me, when you go out today, zero in on someone that crosses your path who has a blank look on their face and smile or even say something like good morning, and see what happens. An easy place to start your experiment, it's harmless, takes little thought or energy, but could ultimately change a persons outlook for that day.
When I go out, I picture a sea of life stories, waiting to be spilled out, good or bad, sad or happy, content or frustrated, lost or peaceful, broken with no hope, or hopeful with a hint of joy. In other words, we ALL have a story to tell, and how our life has been effected by something or someone, good or bad. However, I do realize clearly that there are so many wounded people out there, whose lives would change drastically if they were around people who would encourage them in some way. As well.....with those who are fairly content and happy, encourage them to pass that on in some way. One thing I have learned through the years, is no matter how bad your situation, there is always someone who has it much worse. That somehow eases my own pain and suffering, and takes the focus off of what I need onto what someone else might need.
I know, all this is heavy stuff, and I'm sure your thinking good grief, are you kidding me? I have such an incredibly busy life, with so much to keep up with, who has time to think about what someone else is going through, or how you can change your way of being so that it makes life easier for someone else. Trust me.....I get it. For a very long time my life has been consumed with facing each day feeling like I have the flu, and left for dead in a ditch somewhere, but realized the only way to stay out of that ditch, even if I never got better, was to look outside myself and realize so many people are in far worse shape, so why wouldn't it make sense for me to start with some gratitude each day that my stuff is trying, to be sure, but not as bad as another. You quickly see how you can use YOUR pain and suffering to lift others up.
How do I help others, I'm sure you're asking yourself. And the answer is very simple. Start with changing how you see the world around you, and how little it would take to make someone feel better. If you can't get out, then take advantage of how you communicate by emails, FB, twitter, blogging, or a simple card in the mail to someone you know who is suffering in some way. And you don't have to know the person, if you're out and about. Just start with a simple good morning, a smile, a gesture of help if needed......anything. I promise, once you do it once, and see the reaction you get, you will want to do it again and again. If the person is shocked you noticed, or looks suspicious, don't let that deter you. Some people who are beaten down with no hope have no idea how to react to something positive, but that's ok. Don't let that stop you.
My point.....just realize that your way of being in this world DOES in fact have an impact on others. You CAN make a difference, and the more you do this, the less stressful your life becomes, and the more joy and contentment you feel because you are living from the inside. God didn't put us here to just take.....but to give.
So take a breath and enjoy your new way of being. You'll see.....it works.
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