Caring, When No One Else Has the Chance

     Caring is something that is often very difficult to do. In our society we are brought up to think that looking after ourselves first is the most important thing we can do, and unfortunately is what most of us end up doing.
When you look at someone, we don't often see a human being. We see a mother, father, siblings, relatives,  friends, or strangers. We don't see people that can have their feelings hurt or day or sometimes even their lives shattered by just one rude comment or look.
     As people, we have the choice to listen to what people are saying and do something about their problems or worries, or we can just keep walking and keep being concerned about ourselves. Sadly, we don't have the "reflex" to think about others before ourselves, we always say, "Am I okay? Do I have what I need?" I strongly believe in forgetting about yourself every once in awhile and just looking at others around you and asking yourself if they are okay and if they have what they need.
     There have been many times when I look at someone and you can just tell they need some encouragement. For example, when you are grocery shopping and you see a stranger that looks like they haven't had the best day, just give them a warm smile and a simple, "Hi, how are you doing today?" That honestly has made my day many times and I promise you it will make theirs.
     Caring for others is not always easy, I know when a parent is sick and you just want to relax after a long day then they ask for something, it can be so easy to just blow up and yell at them. This may sound elementary, but it's important: you've gotta think before you say or do. When you are about ready to blow up just say you yourself, "They don't mean to be sick." or, more importantly, "What would I want if I was sick?" Of course, caring doesn't just pertain to saying hi to a stranger or taking care of people when they are sick. It's also just remembering to do those random acts of kindness.
     So, the next time you encounter a moment where you think you could do something for someone else that won't take but a few minutes or even moments out of your day, do it. It won't mean hardly anything to you, but it will mean everything to the person you are doing it for.