Helping Hands

My mom frequently gets complimented on how kind and nice she is. She's always giving other people advice, helping them with everything imaginable and she even started a church ministry to help other people. My dad is the same way. Giving and kind-hearted. Everyone just loves him! They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but in my case, it fell a few feet away. I didn't get that giving spirit that they have. I got a selfish, only child spirit who unintentionally only thinks of herself and I admit, I frequently put my needs over anyone else's. I don't know i'm doing it most of the time, but i'm working on it!

Last night I heard a quote that really hit home. " The best way to forget your own troubles is to help someone with theirs."

Ah ha moment! I figured out a way to make my giving more frequent but still making it about myself lol. I'm only partly joking about my selfishness. It's been brought to my attention that I do a lot more giving others than I realize. I'd willingly give my life for my loved ones, I give my time and expertise to causes that I believe in, but don't ask me for money! That's where I get selfish.

Helping others also changes the world around you. I sometimes do charity work and the prime example of how this quote holds true is that when I felt at my lowest, I joined a team of young professionals helping women with career- prep and getting employment. I wasn't working at the time but I could help somebody else get a job. I was so proud when they got job offers and it took the sting off of me feeling like I had no purpose.

I'd give anything to stop my worry-some thoughts and it's true. Taking the attention off of myself does exactly that! I want to develop this helpful kind spirit into a second-nature reflex. We're all struggling with something. You may think you're helping others in a small way but it can make a big difference. Not only for the other person, but for yourself.