It really IS the simple things!
Last week as my grandson and I started out for our daily walk, I noticed two of my neighbors sitting out enjoying the day together. We, therefore, decided to detour over and join them for a bit.
As I moved away from our little visit, the words of one kept playing over and over in my mind.
More than once during the time we had talked together, this sweet widowed neighbor shared with me how very grateful she is that our other neighbor takes the time to walk over and sit with her whenever she sees her out.
A simple act on the part of one; abundant gratitude clearly felt by the other.
As my day progressed, I continued to think about what this one neighbor’s simple act had done for this precious soul.
In their article, “Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health,” Mayo Clinic staff reports that friendships:
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Prevent loneliness.
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Give you a chance to offer needed companionship.
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Increase your sense of belonging and purpose.
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Boost your happiness and reduce your stress.
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Improve your self-confidence and self-worth.
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Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one.
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Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise.
According to that same article, “Friends also play a significant role in promoting your overall health. Adults with strong social support have a reduced risk of many significant health problems, including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). Studies have even found that older adults with a rich social life are likely to live longer than their peers with fewer connections.”
I saw so many of those “benefits” exhibited by my dear neighbor as we talked together that day.
No huge preparation required. No major expense.
A few minutes out of a day.
That’s all it takes… to fulfill the new commandment,
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
…A few minutes!
20 Simple Ways to Show You Care
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When waiting in line at the grocery store, text your friend to let them know you are thinking about them or simply to check in to see how they are doing.
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While waiting in the carpool line or doctor’s office, jot a quick note to a friend who is going through a difficult time. Then put the note in the mail.
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As you are performing routine chores such as laundry or dusting, call your friend to let them know you are thinking about them.
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Squeeze their hand and say, “Thank you.”
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Ask, “What can I do to help you today?”
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Make a simple sacrifice in order to spend time with them.
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See their potential and encourage them to pursue their dreams.
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Notice when they do something that might have been challenging and applaud their efforts.
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Send them a text that says, “Thought of you today, and it made me smile.”
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Share their pain when they have it. Hold their hand, wipe their tears, and be their shoulder to lean on.
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Cook dinner for them.
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If you see a great deal on something your friend loves, shoot them a quick text to let them know. Or better yet, but it for them and surprise them with it “just because.”
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Snail mail a card.
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Compliment them on something people may not often acknowledge, like their work ethic or consideration for other people.
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Ask, “How are you – really?” Then do nothing but listen and respond to what you hear for as long as they would like to talk.
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Offer them your skill for free.
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Share a childlike experience with them – go on the swings, get some ice cream. Let go of your stresses together.
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Follow up. If she tells you she is scheduled for a medical test, put the date and time in your phone. When you receive the reminder notice, text her that you are praying for her.
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Look out for someone your friend loves.
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Simply say… “I really care about you, and I wanted you to know.”
6 comments
mbethany
Great ideas! Friendship is such a blessing- thanks for the sweet reminder and encouragement!
Blogger Loves The King
Deborah love this. When I take my grandsons walking we usually see our widowed neighbor outside and stop and talk. Little things mean so much.
betsydecruz
Deborah. This makes me smile. So true that friendship provides so many benefits and blessings, and you have great ideas here!
Deborah
mbethany, It’s such a blessing to see your sweet face here today. Thank you for stopping by.
Deborah
What a blessing for your widowed neighbor AND your grandsons!
Deborah
Betsy, Isn’t it crazy how difficult we often try to make things. But how simple just to send a text or walk across the street. Keep smiling!!!!