If someone listens, or stretches out a hand, or whispers a kind word of encouragement, or attempts to understand a lonely person, extraordinary things begin to happen.
-Loretta Girzartis
I have written quite a bit about depression and doing my best to come out of it and lead a productive and happy life. Well,I am happy to report that I have been experiencing a much fuller experience in my day to day activities, and although it started with going to school and taking a great class- the other main component has been being of service. Getting out of myself and helping another person has always been an important part of my 12 step work, but as of late I have really been available to those who reach out to me. I am also reaching out my hand more and more to help those that are struggling with one issue or another. Do you know what has happened? I am much less concerned with myself, my health, my outlook, my fears- how fantastic is that? It has brought me such joy and peace that I just had to blog about it.
Is there someplace in your life where you can be of service? Your neighbor, a friend, volunteering at a shelter or food pantry? I know that people are caught up in the state of the world right now, but giving your time by just listening and offering support can make a world of difference to someone who feels truly alone and frightened. I can't say enough about the power of service- we can't change the economy but we can make a difference in the people's lives around us. What if we all gave more service? Wouldn't that be amazing? We would not only be happier people, but we would be uplifting others as well! Please take some time this week to help someone in need- you will be happy that you did.
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How true. We sometimes are too caught with ourselves that we forget that there are people around us who are crying out for help.
ReplyDeleteI am guilty of that, self before others. Lately been reading Five Love Languages. Pretty much in the same team, that is to love out of giving and not demanding.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great piece of advice for all of us. I really admire you for the fact that you have reached out to others while in the midst of your own pain and suffering. I hope to model the same example for my own children should I go through some of the similar conditions you are going through. Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteVery sound advice. Thankyou for sharing. You have a truly wonderful attitude to life.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration. If we could all be a little more like you, the world would be a better place.
ReplyDeleteI definitely draw strength from helping other people in need...I suffer from RSD/CRPS which isn't all that common, being able to share experiences with other sufferers online has created a community where we can all help each other through our experiences and I often find my insight helps someone else whilst something they are doing will inspire me...it's a fabulous thing :)
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