I See Good People, I Think

Is there something we can do to help?

When you went out today, did you see anyone you knew?

Did you see anyone you would like to know?

Do you still talk to people in person?

There was a richness to life that is missing now. We could go out into the world and know that we share the planet with other people. They were real, and they perceived the world as I did.

The instant connection is diminished. We no longer talk to others in a queue. Shopping is a solitary experience. I commented favorably about a woman’s handbag in the grocery store. It was very unusual, and she had it positioned atop her cart. She was shocked, and I expected her to retrieve her can of pepper spray. I wished her well and walked on.

It is time we reconnect as humanity. For some time, we have been retreating into ourselves as a society. The last few years have done much to separate us from our neighbors.

Let’s do something about it! I have gathered two lists of suggestions to help us reconnect with people. We are still good people at heart.

The first list is simple, easy things we can incorporate into our day:

1. Bake brownies and share them with the neighbors.

2. Offer to pet sit or walk the neighbor’s dog.

3. Leave kind and supportive comments on someone’s social media.

4. Write that thank you note to someone who has impacted your life.

5. Anonymously leave a treat or small gift on a colleague’s desk.

6. Send a handwritten note to a grandparent or relative telling them how much you care.

7. Offer to run errands for a busy friend or family member.

8. Leave a kind note for the mail carrier or delivery person.

9. Volunteer to read to children at the local library.

10. Hold the door for a stranger and greet them with a smile.

11. Call or visit a lonely relative or neighbor to brighten their day with conversation and company.

12. Leave an inspiring book on a park bench for others to enjoy.

13. Volunteer at a retirement home or hospital, spending time with the elderly or sick.

14. Share a heartfelt review of a local business that you appreciate.

15. Listen to someone who needs to vent or talk through an issue.

The next list is not so simple and may require you to rethink your lifestyle:

1. Volunteer at a charity. Call to make an appointment to volunteer in the next week or month.

2. Redirect gifts. Ask friends and family to give your birthday or Christmas gifts to a charity.

3. Stop to help. The next time you see someone stranded next to a disabled vehicle. Pull over and offer help.

4. Teach. Take the time to teach someone a skill that you know. Teach your grandma how to use email. Teach a coworker a new computer skill. Just share the knowledge where needed.

5. Become an accountability partner. Someone in your life may need a walking partner or other healthy endeavor. Join a gym together.

6. Be a Voice. The powerless, the homeless, and the neglected in our world occasionally need someone to speak up for them. Find a group and add your voice to help our society. Sign a petition, speak at a council meeting, write letters, and lend your voice to a cause.

There are many more things we can do to reintegrate our society. Many of our friends and neighbors have been left alone and feel isolated. Reach out and let them know that they still matter.

Please let me know if you are doing or plan to do something along these lines. I would like to publish a follow-up to show it can be done.

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