I know! It’s the time of year we’re expected to be grateful. So we do more than just talk it up, we put our words into action by giving to others. We get all gassed up thinking of the gratitude we’ll see in the faces of those we’re determined to help.
But here’s the rub: people aren’t necessarily grateful for our efforts. When that happens, we become disillusioned with even trying to help others, and we begin lobbying to cut EBT benefits to those that sorely need them.
Before you rush in all gung ho to be someone’s savior only to come out the other end of the experience a tea party conservative, allow someone who makes a living doing this share some advice on how to be effective when working with others.
Believe it or not, not everyone wants your help. And just because you think someone’s situation needs to improve doesn’t mean they think the same. So make the most effective use of your time by focusing on those that want help.
Not everyone that says they want your help, truly does. Some just want the free stuff. Giving people things can be very helpful, but if that’s all folks want, then they don’t really want to change their situation. Before you start giving money and things to people, ask yourself what is your motivation. If you want to use gifts to facilitate change, expect that person to initiate change before you give the stuff. If all you want to do is give away free stuff, I’d be glad to take it off your hands.
When helping others, it’s important to focus on the big picture and not get stuck in the little details. A family who is struggling financially may have hit a string of bad luck. Or it may be because of drug use. It could be that the man of the house is abusive toward his wife and refuses to allow her to work outside the home, though they need the income. It could be mental illness has incapacitated someone. So be sure to ask not only what’s going on, but why it is.
The greatest gift you can give someone is the honor of hearing their story. Sometimes all a person needs is to be heard, without judgement, and without you rushing to try to fix everything afterward. Everyone deserves to be heard, but those who are willing to be still and listen to another are few and far between. Dare to be one who will listen.
People in need are still people. They have their dignity, and they don’t appreciate you using their misfortune to pat yourself on the back. So help for the sake of helping, and not because you want to feel good about yourself.
It is better to give than receive. But trust me when I tell you that by giving of yourself with no strings attached, you will get back far more than you will ever give. So give of yourself with a loving heart and without expectations. The experience will be totally worth it.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
I will follow your advice :o)
I’m sure you already do. It comes easy for dogs; for us humans, not so much.
Thank you for posting this, it is so true. I love you.
I love you too!
Thank you for this very honest and important post. And a big yes to what you wrote in a comment about easy for dogs… Happy Thanksgiving to you. ❤
It’s sad isn’t it? So many of us want to help but don’t know how. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
Lol – well said
>
In my work I have the advantage of being able to strategically put a foot up an ass when needed. Most volunteers don’t. So leave the heavy lifting for me and you go pick the low-hanging fruit.
Learning you can’t want it more for someone than they do was a valuable lesson I learned long ago. Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes I fall off that wagon. 😉 Happy Thanksgiving to you and the fur-kids.
And you too!
Good post and true. Shared on my Social Media. 🙂
Thanks Susan!
this is brilliant – Spot on Rumpydog! Having been on both sides of this fence, this rings so true. xXx
Thank you Milly!
People should see this on fb – shared. xXx
The U.S. produces the most food of any nation on Earth, but we also waste the most: roughly 130 BILLION pounds. And right-wing extremists in Washington want to cut even more funding from food-related programs. All the money spent on the Iraq War alone probably could have fed the entire for decade or more.
Instead we’re still fighting those wars and about to head into yet another one.
so true!
So so true! Giving without expectation is the only way.
You are so, so right. Thank you for this really important and wise post, Jen and Rumpy. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, dear friends!
Happy Thanksgiving to you guys!
When I was a home health nurse, I saw first hand the vast differences that existed in home settings. It was definitely an eye opening experience. Most folks end up living the life they’re used to and no amount of outside intervention/interference will make them leave their comfort zone.
And how many times I investigate a family and find that our agency investigated the parent’s family when the parent was a child- often for the same thing.