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Who Cares?
Think of 5 people who have had a significant positive impact on your life.
Perhaps it was a teacher who took you under their wing, a relative who was always there to lend an ear, a friend who would drop everything to rush to your side in the time of need, or a colleague or co-worker who encouraged you to be a leader in your field.
What do these people have in common?
Would you say they cared about you?
How did they show they cared about you? Likewise, how can you show you care about others?
1. Words will only go so far in showing someone you care. Your actions will speak way louder. It's one thing to say, "Yes, I'll take you to the store when I get a chance." When you actually pick them up and take them, you've shown you've cared enough to follow through. "Call me if you need me" does not have the same effect as picking up the telephone to call someone to ask how they are doing and if they need anything. "I love you" will mean nothing if your actions show the opposite.
2. Listen with empathy. Listen with your heart, eyes, and your ears. Listen with the intent to understand, because when people feel they are understood, they will know you care. Get out of your own head and your own dialogue, and listen.
3. Appreciate. What is it you appreciate about the other person? How can you show your appreciation? When you make others feel important (that's one of our basic needs), they feel cared for.
4. Give of your time to give to others. Spend an afternoon at the nursing home, mentor a student in the evenings, be a Scout leader, or be a willing contributor in a mastermind group. Decide how you can best use your giving time.
5. Show an interest in others. Ask questions. Then ask more questions. People want to talk about themselves, so let them talk. What you'll learn will help you connect better, and a deeper connection translates to deeper understanding of one another.
6. Be kind. It is not true that nice people finish last. Being kind shows you care and brings you joy, peace, laughter, smiles, and more. Keep "kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, and kindness in your warm greeting," said Mother Teresa.
7. Be a cheerleader. Believe in others. Encourage them to be the best they can be. Help them when they are down, and cheer them when they are on their way up. Celebrate their successes.
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around," said Leo Buscaglia.
The seemingly small act of caring is really the big thing. Yes, even the smallest act of caring can turn a life around. Rather, two lives! The beauty of caring is that the caring you give to someone else will come back to you!
Who cares? When you care, your world is a brighter place.
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