Lending both hands

You can help anyone with tools you have.

Every tool is a helper. Pencil, book, computer, software, lawnmower, car, etc.

You can help using your mind; give a solution no one ever thought before. You can help using your heart; say something that reassures or gives hope. You can help using your time; listen, be present.

Your hands are also your tool.

When you help someone, you may feel altruistic. Your joy becomes my joy. You give empathy, you get back satisfaction. Helping people may also consumes you when you give too much. Spend only the necessary.

I always try to help people around me when they need help. If they ask, I’ll try my best. If they don’t and I see they need a hand, I offer. If they reject, I check once if they’re just being polite. If they decline again, I respect it.

I will help if I physically can, if I’m capable, and if I have time to set aside. When I don’t have time, I’ll make time if the priority changes.

I can’t help people who don’t want my help. It wastes both their and my time. Perhaps they’d better get help from someone else or figure it out themselves. I can’t help people who are just using me. It wastes my time. Perhaps I’d better save my tools for those who value it as a gift.

When you assist anyone, lend both hands, and stay on your feet.