Life is hard, then it’s a bit easier, then it’s hard, then it rocks, then it’s hard again.
Empowerment is all about how we deal in the hard times. Do we fall apart, get stuck in victimville, blame, judge and hit rock bottom? Or do we sit in the discomfort, reflect and lean on the tools that help us shift into a place of gentle compassion for ourselves. Tools that help us remain centered so we can push through challenge and remain mentally and emotionally healthy.
Last month was all about gratitude and using it as tool to raise vibration and give you an instant ‘feel good’ boost. Another tool that guarantees the same results is lifting the spirit of someone else. When you reach out and make an impact on someone’s life it instantly gives back to you. The smallest acts of kindness often make the biggest impact – to both parties.
Here are 5 ways to lift the spirit of another
- Express your gratitude. Reach out to someone today and tell them why you’re grateful for them. By taking the time to think about why that person is important to you, you will instantly raise your own vibration. And by taking the time to share with that person you will make their day. A quick conversation/phone call or 30 second text is all it takes. You’ll be surprised at the number of times the response is “You have no idea how much I needed that today”.
- Smile. Be conscious of making eye contact with people as you walk by them – in the halls at school, work or walking down the street. Eye contact and a smile is the smallest way to connect. So many people feel alone in this world. We don’t know what’s going on in their world. Sometimes all it takes is a warm smile and saying good morning to change the energy in someone’s moment. Be aware of how it makes you feel also – instant energy booster!
- Give out free compliments. How many times do we admire something about someone and keep it to ourselves. Spread that love! Tell the woman at the check out that she looks beautiful, compliment someone when you admire their hair, eyes, clothes. I remember a total stranger approached me one day to tell me that she could feel my warm energy and it was a beautiful interaction. I was surprised (in a good way) and felt that moment for months. Compliments are free and they feel so good to give and receive.
- Listen more and hug longer. Take more time to check in with a friend. Ask them how they’re doing and really, really listen. Sometimes people don’t always need our solutions, they just need a friend who allows them to vent to and an opportunity to express themselves. Allow them to be vulnerable by giving them the gift of listening with an open heart. This is where true authentic connection is born. That, and a hug that lasts just a little longer than usual. I met a beautiful soul sister for coffee last week and when I greeted her we hugged and held each other for so long – it was so beautifully touching that I cried. I cannot even describe the love and connection that I felt for her in that moment.
- Do something for someone without them knowing. This is so fun – it’s like the secret Santa of kindness. I often set this as a task for my kids where they have to do something for someone in the family without their knowledge. It can be as simple as leaving a post-it note for them to find, picking flowers for them or picking up their things. It requires them to be thoughtful and creative – and makes everyone feel good.
There is so much heartache, loneliness, struggle, mental health issues and stress happening in our world today. It seems everyone is craving connection. We don’t know what’s going on in someone’s world so look around and reach out to someone who you feel could use the love. The homeless woman on the street, the girl at school who always seems alone, the single mom, the woman going through divorce, the woman in the supermarket with a screaming toddler. It is a fundamental need of humans to feel seen and valued. This time of year can be particularly hard for people. Small acts of human connection go a long, long way. The fastest way to lift your own spirit is to lift the spirit of another. You give and you receive. Don’t believe me? Try it!
