IT IS A BLESSING TO HELP OTHERS

by Mary Frances Hansen

As we start a new year...2026, I want to thank all my readers who took the time to read my articles and for the compliments I received. I try and write articles that will inspire and motivate one another. We are to lift each other up and make everyone feel important and valued. Life is a gift from God. He has

given each of us talents, and He gave me the gifts of Helps and Service. I am my happiest when I am extending my hand to help another person. As so many of my readers know, I was an ICU nurse at Richardson Hospital in my earlier years, and I loved taking care of the sickest of people helping them any way I could to make them feel better and get well.

People helping each other is known as Altruism. The definition of Altruism is.. The concern for the well being of others without care for one's own interest. When we help another person it improves mental and physical health for the giver and receiver. It gives a person a purpose and will boost happiness through endorphins which are “helper's highs,” like Serotonin, Oxytocin and Dopamine reducing stress, promoting contentment, well-being, and stronger social bonds, often inspiring a chain reaction of kindness which provides relief and makes people feel valued and spreads positivity.

Our life is an endless journey of love. It's about relationships loving and giving to each other. A beautiful quote by Jonathan Huie who is an author of Self-Awareness Books, Lover of Life, and has been called, Philosopher of Happiness; “The more love that is given, the more love returns. The more a helping hand is given, the more hands are strengthened and empowered to help. We can help each other to all be winners.” Life is a lesson we learn from day to day as we gather so many emotions and allows us to cherish each day.

Our life begins with birth and ends in death. What is really important is how we spend that time.

Time is a gift we sometimes let slip away. What better way to show how much we care by giving someone our time. When we give someone our time we are making a sacrifice and that sacrifice is called LOVE. We all need love!!! We need to take the time to show someone how much we care by making a phone call to see how they are doing, sending a card, taking them to lunch, be a friend of encouragement when they are going through an adversity and lend them a listening ear. Take the time to visit a neighbor. Even if you both are in a senior living facility and the person doesn't get out much, you can go visit and see how they are doing and if you can help them in any way.

There are so many things we can do to help another person and show love by showing kindness making them feel valued. A person doesn't have to make grand gestures or huge time commitments. There are so many little things we can do to make a person smile and feel valued. I love holding the door open when someone is coming in or leaving a store . When I am waiting in a grocery line and I have a lot groceries I let the person in back of me go first if they have only a few items. I love giving compliments not only to my friends but to strangers. I get so much joy seeing a smile on their faces.

Dr. Ritchie Davidson, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds, says. “Kindness is contagious. Acts of Kindness produces the love hormone Oxytocin which aids in lowering blood pressure, increases self esteem and optimism.” Studies show practices like prayer or mediation, which evokes feelings of love and kindness, have a calming effect on the body reducing stress hormones and pain. .

Dr. Harold Koeing a Duke University professor and a researcher in faith and health suggests, praying for one another or simply sending love and well wishes can help take your mind off your worries and can improve your stress. Prayer reduces stress hormones in minutes and can be incredible healing even if you are not religious. Thinking about someone or praying for them can improve your day. Take the time to brighten someone's day with love and do something nice for someone bringing a smile upon their face. Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith!