Within the last couple of years, life as we’ve known it has been shifting in a completely different direction. Prior to the pandemic, it was common for Americans to automatically think that having a job and being able to pay bills on time is what mattered. But in a world where getting laid off from a job and not having the confidence that something will be lined up sooner than later, left a seemingly average American in a state of complete poverty. Being privileged is to have resources and opportunities to be able to arise from any or obstacle that may come up. Just having money available in case of an emergency and preventing the accumulation of debt is being privileged. Most Americans can’t even afford a $400 hospital or emergency bill. What does this mean for the future of people that have been laid off from their job? What does this mean for those that are living paycheck to paycheck and can’t seem to get ahead and then something takes place where they find themselves not only jobless but homeless.
As you navigate and learn of what the best route is for your family, children and future, always remember that a small act of kindness will not only teach those you love to go further but will intern give you hope and wealth through the form of kindness. In whatever social-economic status that you may be in, it’s always important to remember that someone in the world is more disenfranchised than you are. Giving something based on the little that you have, will not only shift the world but will also help others to thrive, grow and feel a connection in a world that is growing ever colder.
Here are the top five things you can do to support or give back to someone in need, regardless of your social-economic situation, to remember that even though you have less than or more than you need, there are others out there that need a small act of kindness from you more than you think. This is not solely for holiday purposes but to support people by showing random acts of kindness throughout the 365 days of a year… to years to come.
1. Put $10 Or More On A Gift Card And Give It To Someone In Need
Gift cards are a great way to show support to someone. It’s a gesture that is not only like receiving a gift but it also gives the person something that they may not have received all year. Money comes and goes but gift cards to places that have an abundance of options can put power into someone’s life to be intentional with how they spend the card. There are so many ways you can bless someone, in this case, You can either put the gift card together with a note that you’ve handwritten in or wrap it up in a small box with a bow. If you are shy about giving something away like this then wait on the opportunity. An opportunity may arise where you can give a visa gift card, for example, to someone at a gas station, grocery store, and even at a restaurant. Whenever you feel moved to give a gift card.
2. Purchase Someones Food That Is In Line Behind You
There are so many fast food places you can go where you can bless someone by just buying food for them. In this case, order your food and let the person know that’s behind you that you have their order as well and that you will purchase their food for them. This gesture could not only put food on their table later with the money that they would have used for that meal but also allow them to use the extra cash to put gas in their tank or do the same giving back that you’ve done as well. Remember that when you do acts of kindness it does not end at that moment, it might change someone’s day and even their life. Your thoughtfulness would go so far that people will remember in such a way that it not only provides joy to them but reminds them that the world is still filled with good people.
3. Put Together Gift Bags That You Can Hand Out
Handing out gift bags is the most beautiful thing that you can do for someone in need. This is an intentional form of expression that can bring joy to someone who may be homeless or feeling low energy. You can fill the gift bag or goodie bag with items that you would want if you were in their shoes. Water and food are highly important and anything else you can think of that brings joy to you for giving will also be a beneficial choice. It’s about thinking outside of the box to spark a memory or special moment with someone. This can be a great alternative to just handing out cash on the street. This kind gesture could reach more people because the person you give the bag to could even share with someone else in need. So, leaving a note or some form of encouragement inside the bag could be a great way to express kindness love, and warmth to someone that needs those gifts of humanity in their life.
4. Make Food To Give To Your Neighbor Or Someone That You Know
Giving in your inner circle could also be something that will not only warm a friend’s heart or relative but will give them the ability to be overjoyed with happiness while receiving food that will fill their hearts and stomachs. Whoever you have in mind may be excited to receive this food, remember that it doesn’t need to stop there. If you enjoy cooking and baking you could potentially pass on so much love through the food you cook that it will give them the desire to do the same for someone else. This is especially important for a new mom, for someone that is mourning, for someone that is recovering from surgery or any other health condition. This gesture would support them in such a powerful way that you could potentially help their bodies, minds, and hearts to heal faster.
5. Buy Clothes For Someone
This is a gift in itself, if there is someone you can think of that may need a new wardrobe or just might need clothes for their children, you can give back by showing them love and providing them with something not only special but beautiful to keep with them for a very long time. Buying clothes ensures that they have a new coat for winter or shorts for summer and maybe a pair of new shoes. The options are endless.
As you navigate in this world that’s healing from a pandemic, it’s always important to put others first before yourself. You may be thriving or you may be struggling in life but as you give back you will see that changing within your heart mind and soul of all the happiness you’ve brought to someone else. Give back to others, and you may recognize that you are giving back to yourself by providing happiness and hope for a better tomorrow.
