8 Ways to Help a Loved One

Technology has taken us a long way. Cars have taken us off the streets where we used to greet one another and have a friendly chat. Televisions have planted us firmly in our living rooms, in place of games and laughter. Even the Internet has moved us out of the stores where friends would congregate and offer advice as you can now purchase everything and anything from the comfort of your own home.

While technology has taken us a long way and these inventions should really be celebrated, what we must prevent is the tendency to become self focused at the expense of our fellow human beings. Our busy lives and self-sufficiency has enabled us to live selfish lives rather than helping those we love as well as the wider community.

The team at 1 Million Acts believes it is time to give back and help out a fellow brother or sister, TODAY!

Need some help with where to start? Check out our top 8 chores no one wants to do alone.

1. Accompany someone to a doctor’s appointment: No one likes going to the doctor, be it for good news or for bad. Why not take someone to his or her appointment and organize a lunch date afterwards for something to look forward to.

2. Go super market shopping: The dreaded weekly shop can be made a lot more enjoyable when done with someone else. Go with a friend or family member or assist someone who may find the trip too stressful. Alternatively enlighten an elderly person on the benefits of online shopping so they can increase their independence.

3. Drive a friend or acquaintance to the airport: Let’s face it the airport is never in the middle of town, it is usually a long drive followed by expensive parking. Why not offer a loved one a lift or even better accompany a friend who is saying a sad good bye. They will appreciate the company and a listening ear.

4. Meal preparation for someone else: Nowadays everyone is living busy lives, be it working, volunteering, family or friends. When it comes to dinnertime the last thing you feel like doing is cooking. Why not help someone out, prepare a home cooked meal and deliver it to someone who seems to need assistance. New mums can always use a helping hand.

5. Help with house maintenance: Company can make these extremely drab jobs so much more exciting. Call a friend or a neighbor, offer to help paint their fence, clean their gutters or polish their floors. The finished product is sure to put a smile on your dial.

6. Babysit: Looking after the kids can often be exhausting. Why not offer to look after your friend’s children. You can do this together by offering your friend company or alternatively, take the kids for the afternoon, and give your friend some well-deserved respite.

7. Clean out your cardboards: Think Sex and The City circa 1998, Carrie cleaning out her closet with the help of her three besties. FUN! Donate all reusable products to The Salvation Army store. Help brighten the day of those in need.

8. Help thy neighbour: It is often the little chores that make life seem a little unbearable. Pick up bread and milk for your neighbour, take their rubbish bin in after pick up or help them wash their car. They will appreciate the help and you will feel great for doing so.

In the words of the great Dalai Lama “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”