Saturday I was scrolling through Facebook, not thinking anything about showing kindness, love or compassion. You know just a normal easy, breezy weekend afternoon before heading out to see a play with my husband and some friends.  I came across a post from a high school friend that was titled Final Decision. Ok I thought “I’m intrigued” lets see what you are making final decisions about.

When I clicked to read the post, I could see that it was a Facebook live video that had been recorded. As I started to watch I felt like the air had been punched out of me. This was someone my age and he was telling us through technology that he had a terminal illness and was going on hospice care.

He stated that he had a good life, that he loved his family and that he would miss all his friends. My mind immediately shot back to high school and all my interactions with him. He was always smiling and had kind things to say about everyone. I don’t recall ever seeing him mad. Even though I have not kept in touch very well my eyes filled with tears as I watched him state that he did not want to die in a hospital. He wanted to die at home surrounded by loved ones, and when the time came that he was excited for the next big thing, whatever that may be.

I know that you all know that life moves at lightning speed and sometimes we have very little time to make those connections that enhance our lives. After the initial shock, I sat for a few minutes longer and immediately took a quick stock of the people closest to me. Do they know that I love and care about them? Has there been any thing that I need to apologize for? Do I need to make some other kind of restitution? Am I kind and do I care about those around me?

Part of getting up and living life is to make meaningful ties with family and friends and free yourself from hurts or guilts that you may have suffered in the past. There may be many reasons why we have not created these enriching meaningful relationships.

We may feel guilty that that we have not kept in touch with a dear friend or family member. We may feel guilty because we have been so laser focused on pursuing goals that we have let important friendships slide and fall by the wayside. According to this article by WebMD guilt can lead to depression and other physical symptoms.

I don’t want this for you.  I want you to get all that you can out of our short time together on this planet.

All is not lost though. We can still search out those long-lost friends or family members and tell them how much they mean to us and start to build those wonderful lasting relationships. Also, we can show kindness to those with whom we interact with daily.

Kindness, love, and compassion are some of the most important qualities that we can develop. When our loved ones or those closest to us are experiencing difficulties, compassion helps us to understand their pain and feel empathy for them. Compassion also motivates us to take action, whether that means offering a shoulder to cry on or lending a hand with a difficult task.

Showing kindness to our friends and family members lets them know that we care about them and want to help them through tough times. In addition, compassion, love, and kindness strengthens bonds and can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.

When a friend or family member is going through a tough time, it can be difficult to know how to show your love and support. However, even a small gesture can make a significant difference. Here are a few simple suggestions:

Show Kindess by Reaching Out and Staying in Touch

In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to reach out and stay in touch with our loved ones. A simple text, call, or email can let them know that we are thinking of them and that they are not alone. This small act of kindness can make all the difference in the world, especially for those who are feeling isolated and alone. So, let’s take a moment to reach out to our friends and family, and let them know that we love and care about them.

Offer Help to Show Empathy and Compassion

It can be tough to watch someone you love going through a difficult time. You want to do everything you can to help, but you may not always know how. Just remember that your presence and support can mean more than you realize.

Offer to run errands or help around the house. Bring them a book to read for some much-needed relaxation. Here are some favorite reads. If they have young children, offer to watch them for a few hours so your loved one or friend can have a break. And most importantly, just be there. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply offer your caring and empathy. Let your loved one know that you are there for them, no matter what. Lean on your friends and family for support, and together you will get through this tough time.

Create a Care Package to Let Them Know That You Are Thinking of Them

In a world that can sometimes feel cold and lonely, a care package from a loved one can make all the difference. Whether you are sending a gift to a friend who is going through a tough time, or just letting a family member know that you are thinking of them, a care package is always appreciated. The act of sending a care package shows that your loved one or friend is not alone, and that they are cared for. In a world that can often feel uncertain, a care package is a physical reminder of caring, love, and support.

If you need some ideas, check out this post in Variety fun.

Show How Much You Value Them by Listening

Everyone has their own love language and when we take the time to truly listen to someone, we can show them that we love and care about them in a way that is meaningful to them. Maybe your partner feels loved when you spend quality time with them, or your friend feels loved when you lend a listening ear. Whatever the case may be, showing love and compassion starts with listening.

It can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget to truly listen to the people around us, but when we make an effort to do so, it can make all the difference. Listening shows that we value someone enough to give them our undivided attention and that we are interested in hearing what they have to say. The next time you are with your friends or family, take a moment to really listen to them and show them how much you love and care about them.

Show Love by being Selfless

Love is one of the most important things in life. It’s what makes us human. And it’s something that we all need in our lives. But love isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it requires us to be selfless. To put others first. To give of ourselves without expecting anything in return. That’s where compassion comes in. Compassion is when we care for others even when they don’t deserve it. When we see them suffering and we want to help ease their pain. When we put their needs above our own. That’s true love. And it’s something that we should all strive for in our lives. Because when we love others selflessly, we make the world a better place for everyone.

Make a Donation in Honor of Your Friend or Family Member

In challenging times, it can be hard to know how to help those we love. We may feel powerless in the face of their pain, and our own grief can make it hard to find the words to offer comfort. Sometimes, the best way to show our love and support is through action. If you are unable to provide direct assistance, consider donating to a worthy cause in your loved one’s or friend’s name. This act of kindness will not only supply much-needed financial support, but it will also be a tangible reminder of your kindness and caring.

Here are a few charities that you might consider.

Sometimes the best way to show caring and kindness is simply being there for a friend in need. Do something today for someone that you love or care about. Offer a listening ear, do some grocery shopping, or even just send a text message letting them know you’re thinking of them. No act of kindness is too small, and all it takes is one caring person to make a difference in somebody else’s life.