It’s been challenging for me to avoid the media reporting difficult news about war, the economy, the Madoff victims, job loss, etc. Having to instantaneously switch from the sheer weight of that news to inspiring my kids about what the future holds or motivating employees to focus on getting the job done – not an easy task for all of us.
It’s a rare time when we begin to see the naked side of people. It’s the deeper inside of folks when they become vulnerable. Whether it’s losing their jobs, looking for ways to make some money, struggling with health issues, etc. People lose their clothes or better said, their ’shtick’ and become honest and real. Unfortunate that the real person inside sometimes only gets revealed in trying times. However, to some extent I am as guilty as the next.
Is it normal to protect ourselves with our own facade?
Why is it that when I meet folks who are terminally ill or in the twilight of their lives they always seem so real, open, and honest?
Well, I spend lots of time teaching my kids about Tzedakah, our moral obligation to charity or philanthropic acts as part of being a spiritual Jew. We are not extremely ritualistic Jews, yet do our best to follow the cultures and contribute meaningfully to society. That said, in these trying times, I continue to ask myself (aside from writing a donation check) given my education, experience, and skills what good things have I done today to help someone else?
And I ask all of us the same question. What have you done to give back to the naked?
To help in this process I will share five suggestions:
1) Answer that email from someone looking for a job. They need the help and if you spent five minutes you could minimally help them network. Even better – treat them to lunch and lift their spirits.
2) Be the geek that you are! Yes, I am a geek and am typically the person that gets the call/email/text/threat/etc. when someone I know needs all kinds of help with their computer. I know you are all out there with the same skills and no time. Make the time to help someone who needs it with the skills that you have. They will appreciate it and it will make you feel good.
3) Surprise your kids and become a mystery reader at school. Young kids have not yet learned about the facade and they are so very impressionable. Surprising them at school in front of their friends is an awesome experience for them… and for you! I did this recently after struggling to find the time and my daughter and friends are still talking and laughing about “Green Eggs and Ham.”
4) Get the grandparents a digital picture frame loaded with all your digital pictures. If you’re like me – your kid’s grandparents have yet to fully understand and embrace the computer. They’ve tried it and struggled. They may live far away and with limited access to your kids. It is so simple to fill up a SD card with thousands of pictures and grab one of those good clearance deals on a digital picture frame. Just do it and trust me – this will make someone so very happy.
5) Help a friend who is struggling with their health. Unfortunately, we have friends who are dealing with health issues – their perspectives on things are much different than most. Most folks are quiet about their situations and struggle to reach out for help. Whether it’s taking care of their children or just giving them some free time to decompress. You know who these folks are in your communities. Reach out to them, offer to make a play date with the kids, deliver a home cooked meal.
