By: Bryan Golden
Too often we underestimate
the power of a touch, a
smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or
the smallest act of caring, all of
which have the potential to turn a
life around.” — Leo Buscaglia
What does it mean to be a caring
person? Are you one? A caring
person is sensitive to the needs and
feelings of others. It’s not enough to
feel you care, you have to be willing
to take some action that can help
another to feel better.
Those who are overly self absorbed are not able to care about
others. They are too concerned
about their own circumstances to be
aware of anyone else. Self-absorbed
people often feel life is a contest
where they have to vie against others
for a piece of a limited pie.
This outlook is substantially
flawed. There is more than enough
for everyone. Life offers unlimited
abundance. However, self-absorbed
people will constantly struggle to
achieve their goals, if they achieve
them at all.
When you care about others,
rather than being wrapped up in
yourself, you attract more of what
you want as a result of helping others.
Caring people tend to be happier,
more content, and more successful
compared to those who are only
concerned about themselves.
Does it matter if people care
about you? Although it’s nice when
it happens, if it doesn’t, it shouldn’t
matter. It’s tempting to feel that you
will care about others only after they
care about you. The question then is
who will start caring first? Caring
isn’t a response, it is a cause. When
you care, others will care about you.
The people who care about you may
not be the same as the ones you care
about. But it doesn’t matter.
Should you only be caring when
it’s convenient, or is it worth the
effort to be caring even if it requires
some sacrifice? People who genuinely care, do so regardless of the
energy required. Caring isn’t linked
to convenience. Rather, it’s based on
someone’s need.
How can you show how you
care? There is no gesture too small.
As the opening quote so aptly states,
there is amazing power in a touch,
smile, kind word, or sincere compliment. Something that may seem
insignificant to you can have a major
impact on the life of another.
A caring gesture, at the right moment, regardless of how simple, will
seem like a gift from God to the
recipient. In return, there is nothing
more satisfying than knowing you
have made a difference to someone
else.
NOW AVAILABLE: Dare to
Live Without Limits, the book. Visit
www.BryanGolden.com or your
bookstore. Bryan is a management
consultant, motivational speaker,
author and adjunct professor.
Email Bryan at bryan@columnist.com.
