What is the best way to help others?
Helping others does not mean layering your own dreams on them, but instead hearing their dreams and helping them achieve those dreams.
It's too easy for us to decide what is good for another, and it is much more difficult to truly listen to those we love, care about, and serve to hear what it is they want and need.
Their lives are not our lives.
So what routines truly help us to help others.
First, I believe it is important to be observant and a good listener. Watch those you love and listen to their words. Know who they are and what makes them happy, fulfilled, positive.
Next, ask them how you can help with the simple question, Is there anything you need that I can help out with? You may not like the answers you get to that question, and the response may make you have to decide if you are comfortable carrying out the actions desired. In general though when I ask that question to my loved ones, the responses are easy to carry out and gratifying too. There's nothing better than helping someone out with an action that truly means a lot to them.
True respect and love means allowing people to live the good lives they want to live; it does not mean layering your life dreams on them.
In the days ahead as I help those I love and care about, I'll be cognizant of this fact. Onward.