When I was a child of about 3 , I had a Great Aunt and Uncle who lived a few blocks away. They lived on the third floor of a Chicago apartment building. They were lonely people who had lost a six year old to small pox before I was born. This Aunt never came out of depression and went through shock treatments to try to help her.
Both my parents helped them in various ways. I liked them, but climbing up three flights of dark maroon stairs still lingers in my memory. My mother had Lupus and the stairs were rough on her too.
My dad would wash their windows for them each Spring. He’d somehow secure himself to the open double hung window. My mom was always terrified he’d fall onto the concrete below. But my dad was always going out of his way for others and continued.
A lady I know offers rides to appointments for her elderly friends. She is alone and doesn’t work anymore, so she does it to be helpful. A different friend, who I met 27 years ago would cut the toenails of an elderly person, who did not leave her home. What a thoughtful gift! She helped the lady until she died. She continues to this day to reach out to those in need.
Another lady who retired from an IT position, crochets lovely things for newborns and children for her friends families. Volunteering doesn’t have to be formal. My son would climb up in a friends attic to fetch Christmas decorations, because he fit into a small opening and his acquaintance did not. Whatever you are able to do does make a difference. We all need to climb aboard the Kindness Train!
It is never too late to lend your gifts to others. For years I have taken detours trying to learn new things. And there is so much to learn. Perhaps you could teach someone to sew or cook. Reach out if you have a talent you are willing to share. Now a days with high tuition bills and expenses people don’t always pursue their dreams. Moms especially put themselves on the back burner for the family. Help one another, it is the right thing to do!
In this way you will “Delight in Living”!