Help Others – Not Because You Have To, Because It Is Right

There are good times and there are bad times. The times you will always remember and the times you wish you could forget. No matter how low you fall, remember that there is always someone lower who could benefit from a helping hand.

When Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years, his fire to change his country for the better only burned brighter. Mandela could have been forgiven for wanting to live a quiet and peaceful life, but instead he dedicated the remainder of his life to ensuring that his people do not go through the same ordeal that he himself had endured.

Never has there been a more powerful message of humility and it is an example that we should all follow. Yes, there are times when life is tough and gets you down, but the greatest mark of a man is now having ever fallen, but always getting back up on his feet. 

Helping Those in Need

When you read the newspaper, watch the news or even take a walk down your street, you will always find someone that is in need; someone that isn’t enjoying the same benefits in life that you are, someone that for whatever reason has been forgotten by society. A small act of charity can go a long way in restoring faith in mankind.

 Remember, however, that those most in need aren’t always the ones that show it most. Whereas the man living on the street may show visible signs of the hardship he is living through, someone else’s mental turmoil may almost be completely invisible. An expensive suit, fashionable haircut, the latest smartphone and sports car could only be serving as a cover-up for what they are really going through.

A Problem Shared is a Problem Halved

Making the effort to talk to someone has the potential to be a lifesaver that you aren’t even aware of. It is good to talk and, sometimes, it is all that we need in order to lift a weight off of your shoulders and approach life with an open mind.

If a friend, family member, colleague or anyone else tries to talk to you, all you have to do is listen. Don’t be the person who makes an excuse to walk away and then wonder why they never mentioned anything. Lending an ear is often more powerful than lending a hand.

What you can do

Helping your fellow man can be fun and should never be a hardship. You should do so not because you feel it is an obligation, but because you genuinely want to help. Taking part in a fundraising event such as a fun run, cake sale or holding a party can help to raise money that can be donated to a charity of your choice. 

Alternatively, you can give up your time by volunteering in a homeless shelter or donating food and clothing to help keep those in need warm and nourished. There are many ways in which you can help, many of which require minimum effort.

There is little excuse not to help your fellow humans, because if you were in their shoes you would be desperate for someone to help you, too.