How You Can Make a Difference in Someone's Life

It is so easy to slide into your own little world and let the "me, me, me" syndrome take over. We are so caught up in our own lives that we forget that there are others less fortunate than ourselves. With advanced technology and the fast pace that has invaded our lives, we can't seem to slow down to enjoy things, to do things for others.

It has not always been like this. Even as late as the 1950's, people still helped each other out. They had time to meet their neighbors. But since then, every decade has become more self absorbed, more internally fixated on themselves.

When was the last time you did something nice for someone without expecting anything in return? How did it feel? Did you feel good? Did you get a warm, fuzzy feeling? I bet you did. Some people have a natural instinct to help others. It is part of their genetic makeup. For most people, though, it takes a conscious effort to give to be generous.

My grandmother is one of those that is always helping others, never asking for anything in return. My grandfather, before his death, was the same way. My mother was their daughter. She died in 1987 at the young age of 38. She died with nothing to her name. But even when she had nothing, she was a giver. I was fortunate enough to have great role models. I grew up believing that it is better to receive. But, there have been times that my feelings were hurt or I felt that someone had taken advantage of my generosity. I had to remind myself that you are not helping others for recognition, but because it is the right thing to do.

So what kinds of things can you do to help others? You could spend time with someone who is lonely or depressed, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, donate your time to your church, lend a hand to Habitat for Humanity or walk dogs at the Humane Society. You could take a senior citizen grocery shopping or offer to go for him or her, coach a children's sport team, mentor a child, offer to baby sit for an overwhelmed mom or sit with a sick person in the hospital.

There are so many ways that you can make a difference in someone's life. The rewards will be found inside of you.