Time: 1 Hour
STEP 1: Find out what your loved ones need by asking a simple question. Just by asking shows them that you care. Often people need help, but don’t know how to ask for it or they feel ashamed to be in need of help. They will remain silent and suffer through their struggles, feeling as if they have no one to listen to them.
STEP 2: Spend enough time with loved ones to know what they need so you can surprise them with your help. Be curious, asking questions and taking note of anything you see that would be helpful. This doesn’t have to be an over-the-top display of affection; it can be something as simple as bringing in a neighbor’s trashcan or shoveling your parent’s driveway after a snowfall. Other ideas include dropping off a home cooked meal, mowing a neighbor’s yard, running errands, taking someone to a doctor’s appointment, or being a babysitter so they can enjoy a long overdue date night, etc. We all can lend a helping hand at one point or another.
STEP 3: Offer support or a listening ear. You never really know what people are dealing with behind closed doors or what they are hiding beneath the surface.
STEP 4: Take some time to consider what you need. It is important to prioritize self-care in order to make sure you are also healthy and doing well in your life. Do you need a massage? Someone to fix a leak or move something for you? Get the help you need to maintain your wellness and remember that there are people in your life who are happy to give you the help you need… just as you are happy to help them!
