Today is National Good Samaritan Day. Also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day, it is a day set aside for unselfish actions that benefit those in need. It is also a day to celebrate kindness.
Perhaps you've been in a bad situation when, seemingly out-of-the-blue, a kind stranger showed up and helped you out. Or maybe you were the Good Samaritan to someone else. Either way, I'm sure it gave you a good feeling; it strengthened your belief in the goodness of humans (especially now when it's so easy to see only the bad in people) and it's a day you'll most probably never forget. Whether it's helping someone change a tire or carrying groceries to the car for a elderly person, there are so many simple ways we can be that Good Samaritan for someone in need. And today is the perfect day to step up and help your neighbor, someone in your family or, especially, a total stranger.
Here are a few examples of some ways to help that you might not have thought of:
1. Cook or bake. Everybody needs to eat, but not everybody has the resources to eat a good, wholesome meal every day...let alone three times a day! And what about that person who's ill or suffered a loss? Wouldn't a casserole or a loaf of banana bread be a welcomed and unexpected gift? If you live in an area where there are homeless humans and, let's face it, who doesn't these days, why not make up a bunch of sandwiches, buy a bag of apples or some bottled water, and deliver them to the homeless community where you live. There's no better feeling than giving the gift of a nourishing meal to someone's who's hungry.
2. Notice their need...then help fill it. Everyone wants to be noticed; to know that others see them. This is especially true when you're feeling low or having problems. If you know of someone who needs help, it's a very easy thing to just ask what they need. Perhaps it's just a shoulder to cry on, or someone to share a cup of tea with. If you're out-and-about today, and you see someone who's struggling, don't just walk by. Stop and render aid. If you can't help them, find someone who can. Don't just leave them there all alone.
3. Connect them with people who can help. Perhaps the person who needs help, needs more assistance than you can offer. That's okay. Pick up the phone, or turn on your laptop, and find the resources they need. You'll be amazed at how grateful someone will be if you just help them find the help they need. Helping them find their lost pet, the right doctor for their problem, or connecting them with their local, county, or state assistance programs can mean the world of difference for someone who might not be able to do this for themselves.
4. Give financial assistance. These days, not everyone has a lot of time to give. But financial aid is always welcomed. There are so many worthwhile charities out there helping those in need. But they don't always have the funding necessary to help everyone who needs it. Your financial gift can go along way to help your neighbors and give them hope.
5. Take a risk. Helping those in need sometimes comes with a cost. Hey, it's called a sacrifice for a reason...because it will cost something. Oh, maybe not money but there are those among us (in the frog community, too) who will look down their noses at you for helping "those people" or "that kind of person." You may be perceived poorly by your own family, social, or peer group. That's fine. Don't worry about it. You know that what you're doing is The Right Thing.
I hope you will celebrate kindness with me today and perform a random act of kindness...or two. Go ahead, make an effort to help someone who is struggling. You can also honor this day bus using #GoodSamaritanDay to post on all your social media.
Perhaps you've been in a bad situation when, seemingly out-of-the-blue, a kind stranger showed up and helped you out. Or maybe you were the Good Samaritan to someone else. Either way, I'm sure it gave you a good feeling; it strengthened your belief in the goodness of humans (especially now when it's so easy to see only the bad in people) and it's a day you'll most probably never forget. Whether it's helping someone change a tire or carrying groceries to the car for a elderly person, there are so many simple ways we can be that Good Samaritan for someone in need. And today is the perfect day to step up and help your neighbor, someone in your family or, especially, a total stranger.
Here are a few examples of some ways to help that you might not have thought of:
1. Cook or bake. Everybody needs to eat, but not everybody has the resources to eat a good, wholesome meal every day...let alone three times a day! And what about that person who's ill or suffered a loss? Wouldn't a casserole or a loaf of banana bread be a welcomed and unexpected gift? If you live in an area where there are homeless humans and, let's face it, who doesn't these days, why not make up a bunch of sandwiches, buy a bag of apples or some bottled water, and deliver them to the homeless community where you live. There's no better feeling than giving the gift of a nourishing meal to someone's who's hungry.
2. Notice their need...then help fill it. Everyone wants to be noticed; to know that others see them. This is especially true when you're feeling low or having problems. If you know of someone who needs help, it's a very easy thing to just ask what they need. Perhaps it's just a shoulder to cry on, or someone to share a cup of tea with. If you're out-and-about today, and you see someone who's struggling, don't just walk by. Stop and render aid. If you can't help them, find someone who can. Don't just leave them there all alone.
3. Connect them with people who can help. Perhaps the person who needs help, needs more assistance than you can offer. That's okay. Pick up the phone, or turn on your laptop, and find the resources they need. You'll be amazed at how grateful someone will be if you just help them find the help they need. Helping them find their lost pet, the right doctor for their problem, or connecting them with their local, county, or state assistance programs can mean the world of difference for someone who might not be able to do this for themselves.
4. Give financial assistance. These days, not everyone has a lot of time to give. But financial aid is always welcomed. There are so many worthwhile charities out there helping those in need. But they don't always have the funding necessary to help everyone who needs it. Your financial gift can go along way to help your neighbors and give them hope.
5. Take a risk. Helping those in need sometimes comes with a cost. Hey, it's called a sacrifice for a reason...because it will cost something. Oh, maybe not money but there are those among us (in the frog community, too) who will look down their noses at you for helping "those people" or "that kind of person." You may be perceived poorly by your own family, social, or peer group. That's fine. Don't worry about it. You know that what you're doing is The Right Thing.
I hope you will celebrate kindness with me today and perform a random act of kindness...or two. Go ahead, make an effort to help someone who is struggling. You can also honor this day bus using #GoodSamaritanDay to post on all your social media.
RSS Feed