I read a great book once – well, more than once – written by James C. Hunter, “The Servant: A Simple Story about the True Essence of Leadership” that made a big impact on me. It is a book that teaches rather than lectures, filled with ways to improve your leadership skills through the timeless virtues that result in lasting and meaningful success.
Having grown up in a family who willingly served in every way, not only in the military and public service, but as human beings day in and day out, I learned that giving is a way of life. For them, it was as natural as breathing and as selfless, too, because not once did anyone expect anything in return. It was never about that, but about helping others. About being of service, even though no one saw or viewed it in that way. How blessed am I to have been raised by those who truly did and do make the world a better place.
And this got me to thinking – again. Why is it we wait for a crisis to rally together? Why does it take a major or life altering event for people to care and support one another? Why is this not a way of life, each and every day?
It can be. It all starts with a simple act or gesture of kindness, the act of actually making time for another or going out of one’s way to help. This is more important now than ever with COVID-19, limiting the connection one has with others. For some, they are forced to isolate and the mental as well as emotional toll can be devastating.
Check up on your elderly neighbor. Call and see if the mother working from home with four children running wild needs anything from the grocery store before you go. Shovel your neighbor’s walk, driveway or both. Do something to make a difference in the life of another whenever you can seize that opportunity.
And if you’re the one on the receiving end – pay it forward.
These social connections are of high importance and not completely selfless. Ponder this – helping others releases our endorphins, the feel good chemicals that make us happy.
Serving others is good for our mental health, our emotional well-being, and our self-esteem. So if you’re looking for an instant fix or a way to feel good, consider stepping up for someone else today.
