When I think about the word ‘helpful’, I start to consider where in my life I am showing up in service to others. I get curious about how I spend my day. Is it in service to others or myself? Are the things I spend my time on useful? Spend some time asking yourself these questions and you may find solutions to many of your problems.
Physical Spaces– Let’s face it….our homes are filled with things both helpful and not-so-helpful, to say it nicely. Sometimes we may keep things we thought were going to serve a purpose, but ended up just sitting in it’s box for years, being shuffled from shelf to shelf, each time justifying why we kept it at all. I know this process very well, but I also know the liberation created by stopping the shuffle madness and removing the item from my home.
The first goal is to determine if the items you choose to keep are helpful (useful) in solving a current problem or goal. The item may have served a wonderful purpose 20 years ago, but now it’s not a solution to any of your current problems or goals. Time to let it go.
For the next step (only for items you decide are helpful), you get to decide if you want to keep that version or replace it. Is there another version of the item that you have or want to buy that you would love even more?
This is the step where you get to replace worn out item. Maybe you would prefer to have an updated version that you don’t have to beat on to get working each time. Make sure if you replace an item, the old item gets tossed or donated.
When determining whether to keep something or not, always start by asking yourself, “Do I need it, love it, or use it?” If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” then it’s probably time to let it go.
Mental Space– Just a short note straight to the point.
You are in charge of your thoughts!
Are your thoughts being helpful?
Are your thoughts serving your greater good?
If your thoughts are causing you pain, stress, anxiety, or worry, thank your brain for trying to keep you safe and counter all those thoughts with purposeful, helpful thoughts. Don’t give all your energy to the fearful thoughts.
It’s unreasonable to think you won’t have worrisome thoughts in a time like this, but remember to give equal time to both.
Relationships– Right now you may feel even more disconnected due to the self-isolation and social distancing we are practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remember that just because you can’t be near people right now, you can still be helpful. You can send emails and texts to check on people. You can utilize video chatting platforms like Skype, Zoom, and Facebook to stay connected with your loved ones.
Set up a time to grab virtual dinner or happy hour with friends and family.
Get creative with how you can help people during this time and find the silver lining in learning how to communicate in a different format.
Final Thoughts on Gratitude
We all want to be helpful. It feels so good to serve, but also remember to serve yourself too. Don’t neglect your needs in the name of being helpful to others.
If you help yourself first, you will often find you can show up in an even bigger and more helpful way to others and the world.
Remember it’s not selfish to meet your own needs.
Share with me how you are being helpful to yourself during this time of uncertainty we are ALL experiencing together.
Tell me what you got rid of this week as you sorted through your items that no longer provide assistance to your life.
Have a lovely week everyone!
