Can you help me find a lot of ways that I can be more generous, that aren't financial ways?
I've become clearly conscious now how 'mean' I have been, and am determined and inspired to rectify this. [Remind me when I get engulfed in a cloud of depression again...]
I've come up with a couple of ways, but I'd like some ideas and encouragement, please. :)
Compliment somebody - maybe once a day? I recently told a bus driver he had lovely eyes, for example, although I only usually say stuff to complete strangers when I'm a bit er, unwell He did have very sexy eyes. You could maybe say to a colleague that they've done a good job with X, or to a friend that you like their new haircut ... you get the drift. People appreciate a kind word, especially if you mean it - which means you have to take the time to look outside of yourself to really consider whatever it is about that person that you like/appreciate, or otherwise you just sound fake.
Try voluntary work. It costs nothing, and the satisfaction you have in helping others, is worthwhile.
Wannabe CPN : -)
"He who is tired of Weird Al is tired of life." - Homer Simpson "I hear those voices that will not be drowned" Sanity is a nasty disease. The world would be a happier place without it. - Rilic
RIP Kat 4th July 1987- 11th June 2013
the above sounds like a great idea and you no where the perfect place is if you dont mind older people a nursing home, they have so much wisdom and are always happy to see people and always looking for volunteers
Re. voluntary work if you could cope with it what about looking into the reading scheme that is being run by the evening standard - I can see that being right up your street?
Otherwise what about cooking a nice meal for yourself once a week?
Having a bath and a pamper session e.g. paint your nails or do a face mask?
Go for a walk and then have a coffee in a cafe? Or go to a museum?
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
talk to someone that no one else is talking to. (homeless people are great for this...they don't just want money, they want human interaction too)
offer someone support even when you know they will not return it.
let someone tell you their life story. spend time really listening to people. (not the kind of listening where you're actually thinking about what to say next)
as others have said - do voluntary work in a nursing home or care home. i did this (in a care home for wheelchair users) and it was one of the best experiences ever.
invite a friend over that you know is struggling, and have a drink and let them vent and unload onto you.
when people catch your eye, smile at them instead of looking away.
chat to the granny you are sat next to on the bus.
i could go on forever....but you get my idea. the best way to be generous with yourself is to offer yourself to people in the form of a friend or a listening ear.
Katie re. voluntary work I guess you should look at how many hours you can work e.g. 4 or 5 and then see whats out there - this is a good website www.do-it.org.uk if that works then great - if it doesnt then thats equally fine
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
Is a chocolate muffin loving glitter ball
Be generous to yourself first though Katie and then extend it to others. Maybe by being a support to somebody who needs to be supported going to the doctor or psychologist? Somebody that is anxious themselves. Also like said above, making somebody dinner, a cup of tea and just letting them know you are there for them is being generous in itself. I did volunteer work once a week as a tea lady at a community centre, maybe you could do that?
I'm already working hard on using my skills more at work, the ones I've kind of 'witheld' when I've been more unwell. This is my first step, or one of them. Part of me is already 'in revolt' about this, and also says I'm not trying hard enough. So this is going to be quite a process.
Roiben, there's a part of me that not everyone sees who is very mean. She's actually very childish, for reasons from my past. But she doesn't 'need' to have power any more. I've 'broken through the barrier' as it were.
All of us have a part that could be described as mean/childish etc. We aren't one dimensional people, so I really wouldn't worry as it just means you're human.
He did have very sexy eyes. You could maybe say to a colleague that they've done a good job with X, or to a friend that you like their new haircut ... you get the drift. People appreciate a kind word, especially if you mean it - which means you have to take the time to look outside of yourself to really consider whatever it is about that person that you like/appreciate, or otherwise you just sound fake.
