Making the World Less Crazy

The response to my last blog World Gone Crazy was tremendous.  Many readers commented on the lessons outlined.

1. Document gratefulness. Start a gratitude list.
2. Recognize random small acts of kindness.
3. Appreciate and renew relationships. 

Today’s story is about reconnecting and helping those suffering loneliness. The Covid 19 pandemic has lasted longer than any common citizen could have imagined.  Now that we’ve experienced a second wave of the pandemic a pall has fallen over many people.  I hear woes of hopelessness as if there is no end in sight.  

I’m lucky.  Having been in sales for the past 20 years self-starting a conversation is second nature.  My hero, Teddy Roosevelt told us to Dare Greatly, from “The Man in the Arena.”  The posit is to display courage.    Better to fight in the middle of the dust and dirt rather than kibbutz from the safety of the sidelines. Many shy away from initiating conversations exposing vulnerabilities and opening up.  These are hard conversations to start, particularly if you have not spoken for a while.  
  
Some advice to friends and family that want to contact that person you expect may be suffering from loneliness:

1. Just make the call.  If the person can’t or doesn’t want to answer they won’t.  They will get back to you when it’s convenient or explain that they cannot speak at present. Believe me, just hearing your voice is inspiring to them. 
2. Tell them stories.  We all love stories.  It may be about a recent event that reminded you of them. Maybe the stories are about past times together when you shared a bond. 
3. Repeat their name several times through the call.  Most people like hearing their name, it is a sharing of intimacy.
4. Follow up with a text or e-mail-share a picture so you can remain close and there is a shared physical memory.

Their takeaway is that you care about them-that’s all they need to hear.  You’re spending something precious, your time, a perishable commodity not in abundance.  It’s a simple gift, always appreciated and a true act of gratitude. 

It is not joy that makes us grateful, it is gratitude that makes us joyful
                                               -Brother David Steindl-rast
We can’t get through these times without each other.  Thank God!

Next time-busting out!  I’ll share my future optimism for globalization.  You can receive this blog directly by subscribing @ https://www.jimthomasintl.com/blog.