09/04/2015

H for Helping

In my meditation group he was the only man. Patiently he used to sit there, quietly listening to 9 talkative ladies sharing endless stories about hopeless mum-in-laws and cluttered houses. He would smile a shy little smile and sometimes give a comforting comment. 

One day he shared his story. 

He had been a successful business manager. Married with 2 sons. One morning, many years earlier, he had woken up and he could not see. He was taken to the hospital and they found out he had a stroke. He never recovered on the one side of the body, but he was able to have some vision again on the one eye. His wife had left him and he had lost his job. 

- But I am happy, he told us in his calm quiet way. - I am happy I am alive. I see clearer than I have even seen, and I am happy that I have got this chance to do good, to help.  

He told us that the source of his happiness was helping others. - It can be just a little bit of help, he explained, - helping an old man to carry his bag, give out food to street children, hold a door open for someone. Small helping acts. Big helping acts. It doesn't matter to the one you help. Maybe that person has the worst day of his life. If you come there with a smile, with a kind act, with some help - it might mean the world to that person. On that day. In that moment. 

So true right? You never know what luggage persons around you carry. You might Make Their Day, just by offering a little bit of help or some kindness.

And the best part: you will feel so great also! Maybe even happy? The health benefits of helping others should not be underestimated. Have a look at this article if you want to see proofs:-)   




How do you help others? Please share.   

1-30 April 2015 I participate in the A to Z blogger challenge, and this post is written as a part of that challenge.My theme for the challenge is Happiness. I hope you enjoy coming along. 

27 comments:

  1. The starfish story is part of the regular tales told at my kids' secondary school. The school motto is : in quietness and confidence shall be your strength

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  2. I am full time carer for my 16 month old Grandson, so that my daughter who was a single parent can continue her job and save some money and set herself and my Grandson up. I have to admire the fact that she didn't just sit around and wait for givernment handouts, which would have been the "easy option" instead she's gone out for promotions and more travel time to earn more money so that her son will know that she did everything for him, in her own way! I admire her for that, she's got an old head on young shoulders.

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    1. Thats wonderful Kim:-) Thanks for sharing. All the best to you and your family

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  3. Loved the star fish story :) Its true eli, that we may not realize what people around us are going through but our small gestures of love will always brighten up the lives of people :)

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  4. Nice post, we can never underestimate the power of kindness - there is beautiful quote that says"kindness is the rent you pay for occupying the space here on earth" I have heard this starfish story and even blogged about it... thanks for inspiring

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    1. Thank you for visiting and for your nice words:-) very appreciated:-)

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  5. Eli, thanks for sharing that sweet story. :) A wonderful word for H by the way! ;) And I love that starfish quote! :) <3

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  6. Thats such a positive thought. Surely helping out is great for our emotional well-being.

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  7. that's a beautiful story you have shared. I loved the starfish story too. We must do whatever we can, it will surely make a difference

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  8. Oh my god! I loved your post and that story of helping star fishes. Helping others brings joy and we must never for get that..

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    1. Thank you so much dear friend:-) Happy you enjoyed:-)

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  9. Love that poster. I've heard the star fish story and couldn't agree more.

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  10. great inspirational posts for a to z! excellent! and the mark twain quote is awesome!
    happy a to z!

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  11. What a wonderful view of life that man has, although I was a bit sad for his sight and family. A very inspiring post about helping. The starfish story is perfect here. It makes me think.

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    1. Thanks a lot Rhonda, happy to see you here:-)

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  12. It's empowering Eli. Kindness is something which the world needs a great deal:)

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  13. Loved both the stories, Eli. Truly inspiring! Yes, our small help/act of kindness can make a Big difference in somebody's life!

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  14. Loved the starfish story! Yes, even even a small gesture can be huge to someone.
    We donate to charities and food banks regularly, plus I'll help people whenever possible. One of my friends has a broken leg right now and I've been running errands for her.

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    1. Thanks Debbie. For your kind words and for sharing:-)

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