Simple Ways to Show You Care

Sometimes our lives become hectic and stressful. We want to escape the pressures of the day, yet there are times when we make things more complicated and stressful by waiting in a long line or doing things that are not within our budgets. I know there are times when we want to spice up the day or the night, but we think we have to open our wallets every time we want to show someone that we care.

The one thing I have realized is that there are many things that we can do to show someone that we care. The best part is that the most sincere things that we can do cost little or nothing. 

For instance, did you ever think about taking  a walk to a nearby river, lake, pond, ocean, park or trail? How about your bike that is leaning against the wall of your garage? Even your porch or deck is beautiful during the serene hours of the night. After all, that bottle of wine might be collecting dust on your wine rack. It's simple. Just take your bottle of wine, some fruit or any healthy snack that you have at home and pack it in a picnic basket. Ask a friend, neighbor, family member or someone that has caught your eye and invite him or her to join you. If it is someone that has really caught your eye, you might want to bring a small portable cd player that has been sitting in the back of your closet. If the person really has caught your eye , you may want to bring along a candle instead of a flashlight.

However, do not complicate things by choosing a place that is far from your home or that requires you to spend too much time in a car. Did you really take a look at the places that are close to your home? How about that cozy bench at a nearby street corner or the one that is right in your own yard? This type of suggestion reminds me of some of the true stories in my book, Slices of Life. There were so many people who told me how they had spent time with their loved ones. The best times that people remember are the times spent taking a stroll together or listening to each other during the quiet hours of the night.

Another way to show someone that you care is to think of at least two or three things the person likes to do. If the person loves movies, then dig through that rack of movies at home or at your local library (which are free or just $1 at Redbox). I am sure you can find a movie of common interest. On the other hand, it does not necessarily have to be one of your favorite movies. What is important is to pick a movie that he or she might like. It is amazing how soothing you can make your livingroom or den.

Keep the extra money in your wallet by watching movies you already have or by getting them at your library or Red Box. With just $2 or $3, you can choose some type of movie snack from the grocery store. Just keep it simple. Remember, you do not need to spend a ton of money. It's more about the simple things that you think the other person might enjoy.

If you can't see the person because your schedules do not match, you should think about taking just a minute or two to leave him or her a thoughtful voice mail message. The sound of your voice and your expression of sincerity may add warmth to his or her day. Think of some type of message that the person might appreciate and let it come right from the heart. Something funny, sweet, sexy, or just something warm. Imagine how good the person will feel when he or she hears your simple message in the midst of a busy day or night. The voice mail could be a "haven" from the person's crazy world. It does not cost anything and when he or she hears your voice it can lift his or her spirits. Texting is thoughtful, but nothing takes the place of a person's voice.

Email messages are simple and convenient, but not if the person already has 100 emails in his or her inbox which have not yet been read. I personally think avoiding e mail as much as possible is better because you really don't know when or if the person will even get to your email. Voice mail is much better or just a quick phone call. Just don't call to complain or nag. That complicates things and defeats the purpose of the message completely.

If you have time, prepare his or her favorite food. You don't have to go to a gourmet shop to buy something. Just look at what you already have at home and hand deliver it to the person.  Something simple like a healthy vegetable or fruit salad,  vegetable tray, pasta or some other simple treat can easliy be prepared at little or perhaps no cost.

Did you ever think of sliding a thoughtful note into someone's pocket or wallet? Just think of how the person will smile when he or she reads it the next day or when the person does their laundry. Keep it simple. Remember, less is more when you are writing a message. Just be sincere, but don't overdo it.

Think about how much fun it would be to pull that old, inflatable rubber raft out of the garage. I think most of us have a couple of orange or yellow rafts that are shoved behind the lawn mover and lounge chairs. Just think about floating around on your rafts and talking without being in a hurry to get to another destination.

I remember that my parents used to have picnics in our yard. They didn't go out to buy new lounge chairs or longer tables. They put all the tables of different heights next to each other to make the tables into one long, continuous table and elevated them with bricks or concrete blocks so the old tables would be the same height. If they did not want to spend a lot of money, friends and relatives all brought something to share. The "pot luck" style gatherings at a moment's notice was a great way to brighten the weekend. You may want to consider having a fun, casual, pot luck get together. It is an excellent way to catch up with your neighbors, friends, and family. Don't forget the person who has caught your eye. Invite him or her too!

I know a lot of people love New York City. You can go to New York City without spending that much money, except for train fare of course. Take a walk through Central Park after buying your favorite cheese, fruit, or crackers and sit under a tree together. You do not need theater tickets. Just think of all of that beautiful grass in Central Park. Sometimes musicians play in Central Park. That's a great way to spend time under the stars. There is nothing better than taking your time without feeling rushed to get to another place. I remember a time when a few of us met in New York City. While everyone chatted about where they should eat, I walked to a nearby store and I  bought a loaf of bread, cheese, and wine. By the time they all agreed on where to go, I was already sitting on a bench enjoying my simple meal. It was the most relaxing thing I had done in the city. It's amazing how much time we waste making things more complicated than they need to be.

Last, but simply not least, ask yourself, "When was the last time I helped someone with a project or chores instead of just worrying about my own?" When your doing your laundry, or running errands at the grocery store, offer to help someone with his or her laundry or run and errand for them too! It does not cost anything and you don't have to drive far. Remember, you are out doing your own errands or doing your laundry, so how hard is it to offer to help someone else? You don't  have to pay for someone's groceries, just offer to pick them up for them and of course you will be reimbursed. It's not just about the money, but about the time you spend helping someone run an errand or doing that unenjoyable task of laundry. Throw in an extra load and even fold it for them. It is the thoughtfulness that counts.

Remember the days of playing cards when you were growing up? Pull out that deck of cards from your cabinet and have a "card playing" gathering. Playing cards is simple and you will have a few laughs.

Whatever you do, remember to keep it simple, let it come from your heart and don't expect anything in return. Those are the most meaningful acts of kindness.

If you want to take a stroll down memory lane and hear about inspirational family stories and traditions as well as learn about the simple memories in people's hearts, pick up a copy of my book, Slices of Life, on www.authorhouse.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnes&noble.com, www.booksamillion.com or simply go to www.bookfinder4u.com so you can view a complete list of retail online bookstores where my book is available. You may purchase it in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and the United Kingdom. The book is available in soft cover, hard cover as an ebook.