Lessons on Personal Development: #10 Help Others — Let’s Restore People’s Faith in Humanity

From helping innocent Ukrainian and Russian people in overcoming their present hardships to helping nations in recovering from natural disasters and helping less fortunate people in their daily lives. There is no other way to live up to your given name — human — except to GIVE.

At the bottom of this article, those interested in aiding the victims of the Ukraine conflict will find official organizations’ URLs where they may make a donation.

Consider how happy you felt the last time you did something nice for someone else. Perhaps it was the satisfaction of helping an elderly lady in crossing the street or the joy of volunteering at a local nonprofit organization. Maybe it was just the gratification of helping a coworker or a friend.

The “warm glow” of pro-sociality is considered to be one of the basic drivers of altruistic behavior in humans. The glow indicates that we have satisfied our most fundamental psychological need: we have strengthened our sense of connection to others.

Prosocial behavior, or intent to benefit others is a social behavior that benefits other people or the society as a whole. It involves helping, sharing, donating, co-operating and volunteering.

I know you want to help others and become a better person (otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this text), but how do you know where to start and how to do it in the most effective way for you? How to help others and get an inner glow that inspires others as well, rather than becoming tired and overwhelmed over time and feeling guilty for feeling that way? The answer is: reflection.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” — Dalai Lama

Reflection 1: What type of kind gesture could I do TODAY?

There are many ways we may be kind, from simple actions like a friendly smile, a few kind words, helping with baggage, offering up our seat, volunteering. It’s not all about money and physical help — we can give our attention, time, knowledge, ideas, positive energy, and emotional support. That being said, you can always find a way to brighten someone’s day by giving them sincere praise or unasked support. Isn’t that something you wish you could have also for yourself, at least once in a while?

Introduce two people you think might make good friends, volunteer to babysit for a stressed-out parent, make your partner’s favorite meal out of the blue, write a glowing review for a restaurant where you received excellent service by also specifically describing the waiter who was particularly helpful. The options are truly endless — all one needs to do is care and be willing to give.

Reflection 2: What are the causes I care about the most?

Apart from small acts of benevolence, you may spend some time thinking about and researching the causes that are most important to you, as well as the best ways to support them. Consider first, then research, and ultimately, take action. Education for children, feeding the hungry, women’s empowerment, animal welfare, children with disabilities, a healthy environment, and social services are just a few of the causes that come to mind.

You may write letters to children in hospitals if you have good writing skills and enjoy cheering people up or you may spend time with elderly people in nursing homes if you appreciate the wisdom coming from grandmas and grandpas and genuinely enjoy their company — the choice is entirely yours. If you listen to your inner drive and evaluate how it might be linked to your personal or professional skills and put it into action, you will never go wrong.

Reflection 3: Who can you thank for what they give to ME?

Go ahead and start creating your own ripples of kindness by saying “ thank you”. Whenever we do something kind for someone, the recipient and others who witness the good deed are more likely to reciprocate. That way our acts of kindness are multiplied, resulting in a better world. You may begin by simply expressing thankfulness to others, and trust me when I say that we all have someone or something to be thankful for on a daily basis. So, today, think about someone to whom you want to say “thank you”, and snowball that change we are all thirsty for.

“Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” ― Mother Teresa

Paradoxically though, it is both unfortunately and fortunately that there’s no limit to the number of people who can use your help today. So, if you’re looking to live a purposeful life, you can help others in so many ways. Do you already have an idea of how you’ll help others?

Thank you for reading. Until next time!

What can I do to help Ukraine? Consider donating to:

The Ukrainian Red Cross, which does loads of humanitarian stuff, from aiding refugees to training doctors. Donate here.

The British Red Cross, which has launched an appeal to raise funds for food, medical supplies, shelter, and water. Donate here.

Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which funds medication and medical supplies for army hospitals on the front line. Donate here.

Nova Ukraine, a Ukraine-based non-profit that provides civilians with everything from baby food and hygiene products to clothes and household supplies. Donate here.

Sunflower for Peace, which provides first-aid backpacks to doctors and paramedics on the front line. Donate here.

Voices of Children, a charity that focuses on helping children recover from the psychological trauma of war. More info here.

Doctors Without Borders, whose base in Ukraine provides treatments for a range of regional diseases and medical problems. More info here.

The Kyiv Independent, a Ukraine-based English-language newspaper. Not to toot our own horn, but journalism can be pretty damn important. Help keep accurate news reports coming by donating to The Kyiv Independent’s Patreon and GoFundMe pages.

Project HOPE, a humanitarian organization that provides medical supplies and assistance to refugees both in Ukraine and once they’ve fled to surrounding countries. Donate here.

International Medical Corps, whose teams are already on the ground in Ukraine delivering medical and mental health care. Donate here.

CARE, an international aid organization aiming to provide food, water, hygiene kits, social services, and more to Ukrainians in need. Donate here.

UNICEF, a global charity focused on the welfare of children, providing water, nutrition, healthcare, and education. Donate here.

UNHCR, a UN organization focusing on helping Ukrainian refugees both in Ukraine and in Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Donate here.

Save the Children, an international charity providing children with food, water, and safety. Donate here.

Airbnb.org, which is looking for a different kind of donation. The charitable arm of Airbnb has pledged to temporarily house 100,000 people fleeing the conflict, and it’s looking for people to volunteer their homes. Find out more and get involved here.