Discussion: Take the time to care
June 3, 2022
Written by Chiara Noble
Each year on June 7, World Caring Day shines a spotlight on all the ways we connect and show each other we care. All acts of caring, whether big or small, are important. Caring is continuous and happens every day through compassion, support, kindness and understanding. We should all use World Caring Day to remind others to take the opportunity and practice caring.
With all that is going on in the world today, it is especially important to show care towards one another. Think about some things that you like, or are important to you and then figure out a way to pass that along to someone else. I personally like the Pay It Forward challenge. There is a movie that comes to mind, that is actually called Pay It Forward starring Haley Joel Osment and Kevin Spacey. It’s a story about a young boy who’s troubled by his mother's alcoholism and fears of his abusive but absent father. The subplot is how he gets caught up by an intriguing assignment from his new social studies teacher. The assignment is to think of something to change the world and put it into action. The young boy conjures the notion of paying a favor not back, but forward--repaying good deeds not with payback, but with new good deeds done to three new people.
I recall the first time I was able to experience this for myself. My husband and I were in the drive through of Dunkin Donuts getting our morning coffee. When we got to the window, the cashier informed us that the person in the car ahead of us had already paid for our order. We were puzzled at first, trying to wrap our minds around the fact that a complete stranger would pay for coffee for us. In that moment, we decided to continue doing so. We paid for the person behind us and it felt so good! I later learned that this was a “thing” and that people were doing this on a regular basis. Sometime, the notion would continue on for 40 or 50 cars.
Imagine how different the world could be, if we practiced concepts like this all the time! In the height of the pandemic, a young lady in a surrounding neighborhood from mine, came up with a similar concept to “wine someone”. She created a group on social media where people would put together baskets. This included a bottle of wine and anything else that one might think of to brings someone’s spirits up. You posted your address in the group and someone would leave a basket at your door (anonymously). The only thing that she asked is that once you’ve been “wined” that you pass it on to at least one other. I received three baskets over the course of time. My favorite was a basket with a notepad and pens, lotion, bath bombs, nail polishes, snacks and a bottle of wine. This was another creative way to bring cheer to folks who were going through a tough time. It was indeed a tough time for us all. And guess what? This carried on for months. Someone created a subgroup for men so that they too could partake in the challenge.
Then, another group was created with baskets for children. We realized the kids not only needed something to do. This allowed them to help with ideas of what to put in the baskets and even the fun of delivering them!
I share these stories with you as an example of how easy it truly is to bring joy, cheer, encouragement and comfort to those we may know or not know. It doesn’t always have to be monetary. A phone call, a text message, email, a note or even a prayer is all free. Being alert and more sensitive to someone’s triggers to be able to help shift their mood. Paying attention and being present without distractions. Every single day someone is going through something that is difficult, challenging, lonely or heartbreaking. Sometimes it’s multiple things at once. I encourage us to carry this notion with us not just on this particular day but every day. If we take more time to care, the world which otherwise may seem at times so dark, cold, and scary could feel just a little brighter for someone. Even if just for a moment!
Thank you for joining me for Friday at Sundown. Remember… Just Breathe!
Help Each Other & Love Each Other Never Stop Sharing - YouTube
(Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the music in this video)
I Need You To Survive - YouTube
(Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the music in this video)
Resources:
Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
NIMH » Home (nih.gov)