Get to know

There are so many people that for one reason or the other, are sad, alone, and spend many a night in their homes, behind locked doors, and in need of comfort. We walk the streets and might meet a homeless person, his only bed is a cardboard, spread out on the hard concrete. He might have lost his family, or lost his home, or his job, and yet we walk by ignoring him, instead of attempting to comfort him. There are just as many sad people, as there are happy people, and yet, we tend to ignore the sad, and team up with the happy.

STEPS

1. Stop and befriend someone you come across, who is crying, or obviously in need of comfort, and friendship. Offer a helping hand, and an open mind and listen. Do not respond, until they have finished talking. Think about your response, so that you can help them to work things out for themselves. Trying to fix things for others can be very dis-empowering.
2. Offer to help, ask them how, and place a hand on their shoulder. This one simple gesture could allow him to feel less alone, but be aware that touching needs to be dealt with carefully and best done only if invited to do so or checking that it is OK first.
3. Be understanding and compassionate. Never judge them or blame them, even if you feel they should be.
4. Think of yourself, if you were in their place. Perhaps you will meet them in the hospital waiting room. Their loved one might have been in a bad accident, and they might be waiting alone. Sit next to them. Ask them what happened. Feel their pain and show them you do, by your words and facial expressions. Ask them if they will join you for a cup of coffee. They will be so happy, not to be alone at this time.

TIPS

* Be careful when approaching someone living on the streets. Not all welcome strangers approaching them.
* Asking others about their personal problems, might entice them. If they look as if they prefer to be alone, then do not approach them.
* Offer a smile of understanding, to those who seem to be left alone. A smile will help them know that you care.

WARNING

* If they don’t want your help at the moment, don’t give it to them. They might get mad, on top of upset.
* Some people have personal space issues, so if it’s a person you don’t know that well, ask before you hug them.

Ever felt miserable, like you don’t mean anything to anyone? Well, think again! You do matter and here are some ideas to make you feel a lot better about your place in the world.

Steps

1. Stop and think about what you’ve got!
2. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time! Or just one that always cheers you up.
3. Write a letter to someone who lives far away who you haven’t spoken to for a long time!
4. If you have MSN, talk to people who you never usually talk to!
5. Pick up the phone right now and invite your friends over. Go bowling, go see a movie, rent a film, go and get a pizza, go shopping, go play some sport, or just hang out!
6. Talk to that boy that you have a huge crush on but you are never brave enough to talk to!
7. Take some money out of that huge lump that you have been saving and splash some cash!
8. Throw a sleepover and have lots of fun!
9. Go out with your family for the day, go to a wildlife centre or a theme park!
10. Spend a whole day in your PJ’s relaxing!
11. Really get into a good book, don’t let anyone disturb you!
12. Put on your favourite song and dance around like crazy for a few minutes!
13. Do some exercise! Go swimming and try a dive that you have never done before, go to a dance class and try a style of dance that you have never done before, or simply try a whole new sport such as volleyball or squash!
14. Go shopping and find the perfect jeans. Dedicate your whole afternoon to trawling round the shops to find the best denim!
15. Go and dance in the rain! Don’t feel miserable because it’s bad weather, grab your wellies and coat (or just go out in your jeans and t-shirt!) and go and have a splash about in the puddles!
16. Do something you haven’t done for years. Take your friends down to the beach and bury each other in the sand, or make sand castles! Go in the sea and buy ice cream!
17. Be brave and go on that rollercoaster that you could never pluck up the courage to ride!
18. Write a poem or a story. Unleash your creative side!
19. Do something extreme, like snowboarding or canoeing!
20. Remember that life is great, live like there’s no tomorrow!
21. Go to wash the face, drink a cup of warm milk and straight to bed.