5 Ways to Say I Care

Do you have a heart of compassion? Is your life so hectic that you really don't have the time to think of anyone else but yourself? If so, I challenge you to slow down! As a matter of fact; stop! Take a moment to look around you to see how you can help someone that may be struggling or feeling hopeless; overwhelmed within the unfortunate circumstances in their own lives.

I meet people all the time who appear as though they have it all together based on the style of clothes they wear or the kind of car they drive. But it's not until we get into a conversation where the person feels at that time to share some personal things with me such as a marriage that's falling apart, or not having food to feed their children.

Many people have mastered the art of smiling through the storm of life as though nothing is wrong when deep down they are crying inside, needing to be rescued, to be heard and appreciated. They are in need of others in their personal circle to see them for who they are - not for what they have. Can you relate to this? It's frustrating isn't it?

The dynamics of life has changed significantly over the years; it seems that there is more to do in a day and not enough time to do it. By the time you wrap up your day, you don't have the energy to think- much less to think of anyone else, right?

Wrong! Make the time; just like anything else that you would make time for especially if it meant a lot to you. Here are some things that I do:

1. Send out mass text or email just to say "hello"

I enjoy doing this because in my experience it always puts a smile on the recipients face; I would also include an encouraging message. Majority of emails or texts that I receive are usually some sort of request, notification, an article, or something funny. Rarely do I receive an email or text that is intended to see how I am doing. Do you notice the same thing?

2. Send a "thinking of you card" in the mail.

If I’m in Wal-Mart picking up items for my home or business, I would stop into the card section at times to pick out a "thinking of you" card for a family member or a friend. Just like in step 1, I would write something encouraging. This shows the recipient that I thought of them by taking the time to pick out a nice card, paid a couple cents to put a stamp on it and mail it. I usually forget the gesture after putting the card in the mail until I get the thank you call from the recipient. You will probably agree that most people receive mostly bills and junk mail, so receiving a "thinking of you" card would make the "mailbox" experience a pleasant one.

3. Random Visits

Random visits are special because it’s unexpected. When I am in an associate’s, or relatives', neighborhood whom I haven't seen in a while, I would stop by their home just to say hello; of course, this depends on time of day or night. It doesn't have to be a lengthy visit; even if it's for a couple minutes means a lot to the other person.

4. The 60 Second Call

How long does it take to say hello? Not long at all! You could be on the go but a quick call to a loved one is easy. I usually say to the person when they pick up the phone that "I only have 60 seconds and just wanted to say a quick hello." The response I get confirms that they appreciate my thoughtfulness.

5. The Gift of Groceries

We should never wait until our friends, family or associates fall into hardship to lend a helping hand. As I mentioned earlier, many people have mastered the art of smiling through the storm of life as though nothing is wrong when deep down they are crying inside, needing to be rescued, to be heard and appreciated. How do you think someone feeling this way would feel if you showed up to their home with a bag of groceries?

I have done this a few times only to find out that the gift of groceries was greatly needed - I had no clue. Although I was happy to unknowingly fill a need I wished that I could do more. However, the recipients were amazed and very appreciative.

There are so many other ways that you can be thoughtful of others; imagine living in a world where people were always thinking of others all year round - not just at certain occasions throughout the year; maybe we would have less divorces, more peace and less wars.