Part 1: Physical Helps
Ever feel helpless when a friend or loved one is struggling because their life has been turned upside down, yet you want to do something that will help ease their burden? We are not just physical beings. We have an emotional side, a spiritual side, as well as an intellectual side, and there are amazing actions we can take to help our friends in each of these areas. In this series, we are going to talk about some practical ways that you can provide assistance to those you love beyond bringing them a meal. Let’s look at each of these methods individually starting with some practical, tangible physical help.
If not food, then what? How about running errands for your friend? Are there leaves to rake, flowers to water, or grass to cut? Is there an animal that needs a walk? Volunteer to do these. Who couldn’t use some help with cleaning the house, bathroom, or kitchen? Emptying the dishwasher and reloading it for your friend may seem like a small thing, but it is a huge help to someone who is overwhelmed. Don’t want to show up empty handed? Paper goods! No one needs to run out of the myriad of paper products we use when there has been a loss. Are there thank you notes to write? Offer to write them or purchase the cards and stamps for your friend. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, especially during COVID when we are limited with how much we can interact with our friends and loved ones.
There are so many ways that we can support our friends and loved ones who are going through a tough time. Find something – anything – that you can do to help your friend. Many times, the biggest impact comes from the smallest, simplest actions. The best way to help your friends and loved ones is to just step up and do something.
