My thoughts on writing tips found online and in published works (with some random thoughts thrown into the mix).

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

A Worthy Charity

Today, I decided to take a break from writing about writing. Or, at the very least, from promoting writing tips like I was paid to do it (which I'm not, by the way; I'm just enthusiastic). I know that means that some of you will instantly navigate to a different page without bothering to read this new post. And that's okay. You need to do what makes you happy. But, I also know that some of you will stay. And for that, I thank you.

I read a post on another blog recently about improving your life. It had all the generic tips, such as pushing negative people out of your life and making attainable goals. But what does that mean for people in the real world? What if that negative person is your elderly mother that you take care of? What if you are boxed into a corner with no way out?

It's been said time and again that no situation is hopeless. Even if you have no money, no family, no friends, you can still improve your life. But they make it sound so easy! I have never been in that situation, thank god, but I feel great empathy for those that have. If everyone around you is telling you that you can't, if you have been told your whole life that you can't, then where is the self-confidence going to come from that enables you? For the person that has been beaten and broken into a person with no self-worth, how can they rise above their surroundings?

It can be easy to say that they should join a support group, reach out into the community, go to church or the YMCA, etc. But, what if this person has a young child and they have to work two jobs just to pay the bills? They don't have the time to take care of themselves, let alone take the time to build a support system.

It is my greatest hope that today, and every day in the future, we can all take a moment to think of these people who have been placed in the worst of situations, through no fault of their own. And even if they are there because of their own actions, because they submitted to their own weaknesses, as long as they want to change things, who are we to look down on them?

Next time you see someone in need, whether it is someone without a quarter to put air in their flat tire or who is short a few bucks at the grocery store, I sincerely wish that you will reach out a helping hand. You don't have to throw lots of money at charities to make a difference (though they certainly won't turn you away if you do). All you have to do is give up your spare pocket change or spare a smile for someone that looks down. Say hello and wave.

Just by doing the little things, we all can make a difference in someone's life. You don't have to change your life to change the world, just a simple gesture will do.

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