Do you do for others as you do for yourself? That question stops us in our tracks. People need us, but do we need them? Sometimes we help them. Sometimes we give them something to eat. We want to help…but do we? Remember those times we took the time to help someone who needed it, when we gave someone what, if it came down to it, you would rather have kept.

I think most of my readers would say that they want to help others more often than they do. Does it cost you? “Well, no.” We just don’t do it, or even think about doing it. So I think we should wake ourselves up. I mean, really and truly wake ourselves up. That would take some doing and a little thinking. But we can do it, and we can think about how to do it.

Let’s think about it.

First we need to have a plan. Let’s decide: Who? What? Where? There are a few groups that furnish the tools for making a meal for those who need it. Select one of them and then check what they do. You can start to help them. Get involved in whatever way you can. You can do all sorts of things like gathering clothes for the homeless or people in need. You can help with setting things out on the shelves, if you want. You can assist wherever and whenever. Expand your horizon. Try something new. Get a grip on.

After you have a plan, it helps if you determine what action you will take. Make sure you look clean and neat. You need to make a good impression, that is, if you want others to take you as serious. So, look nice, wear clean and neat clothes. Smell good! Be helpful. Put your best foot forward. Then go to some places, two or three, and ask if they could use some help. Even places like a library can use your help.

Try something new this week

Then you should take some time to plan a fresh face approach. Think positive thoughts. Be willing to learn. Do your best. Be kind. Help others. Be considerate. Ask your boss what he or she would like you to do…and then do it. Be courteous. Don’t waste time and don’t use improper language. You want this to be fun, but you want to make the day go better because you are there. I mean this, really and truly mean this.

Let’s talk some about your attitude. You can make the day go better since you are there, or you can make the day um worse because you are there. You can do it, yes you can. You may not even be working with the customer, but your presence makes a difference. If you are determined to be a good help, you most likely will be. It’s the way you look at things. Have a positive attitude and your day will go better than, say, having a poor attitude (even though your world isn’t perfect). People like to be around positive people.

People know you care . . .

I have been talking about volunteers. However, these same principles work where ever you go. a positive attitude always is pleasing. Even for a teacher, it pays to be positive. It may be small or even big things. Compliment the way they look or something they brought to work with them. Laugh at people’s jokes (clean jokes, I mean). Bring treats, now and then. Watch your language, you’ll be glad you did. Be busy…all the time, not just when it suits you. Good manners help. Say please, thank you, no problem and that sort of thing.

. . . when you show you care.

Now. unfortunately, it’s taken me a l-o-n-g time to get myself in gear regarding these practical tools for social engagement. I used to be a negative thinker and doer, although I wasn’t too bad. Part of it was because my life was a bit hard, but that is no excuse. I could’ve. should’ve, but didn’t. I remember my Aunt Louise saying that as a teacher she should’ve spent more time with her peers. That was true of me, too. People know you care when you show you care. In fact, that is true where ever you go.

So, if I see you in the market, please say hi. If you’re at the park and a ball comes rolling your way, don’t ignore it, throw it back with a smile on your face. If you mess up, say you’re sorry. It is all the little things that matter. People are drawn to people who make them feel good. Remember that. During the Covid upset and people were staying home because they had no choice. some of the public skills drained away. It’s time to bring them back. I don’t know about you, but I particularly like it when the store personnel is pleasant to me. They make me glad I’ve come. Some of us older folks know these things. Put your smile on…and thank YOU!