I always prefer to give then to receive. Maybe that is just my nature as a submissive. I have always been this way. Despite my lack of empathy and compassion for the majority of the world. However I have always been about putting myself out there and performing small acts of kindness all over the world we live in.
Being blind has made doing some of these things rather difficult. Like getting out and being able to drive myself around to go and do food basket deliveries to families, or delivering toys to kids in need, etc. However it doesn't make me not want to do these things. I don't know if its just me masking or a deep innate need to help people.
Some of the things I enjoy doing the most:
- Helping someone needing money on the side of the road. (Yes I know some are scammers but you never know who really are in need so I do it anyways)
- Helping out at soup kitchens
- Creating help bags that include (blankets, toothbrushes and toothpaste, bottles of water, umbrella, granola bars, some cash, and other things we can think of people needing who are currently homeless)
- Donating food to food drives
- Donating toys for Toys for Tots
- We enjoy sponsoring a family for the holiday season.
- I enjoy doing things to help out our veterans.
- Donate my time to help friends and family.
- I will tutor if asked (I used to be a teacher)
I have done photography for people
- I have donated some art. Both digital art, and painted canvases for charity causes.
- Pay for the car behind me in a drive-thru
- Purchased that persons groceries that are either in front of or behind me in line.
- Visiting animals at the animal shelter and just spending time with them.
- Adopting a grandma/grandpa at a nursing home.
Some of my most memorable times growing up have been when I was performing an generous act and honestly I never expect to get anything in return. For me this world is already so dark and full of inconsiderate jerks that I don't need to add to that list. I think if you can put a smile on someone's face with a selfless act and then each person does that everyday the world will be a better place.
One of the most memorable moments I recall from my childhood was a time we went on a school trip. Our parents gave us all money for lunch and naturally our schools took us to places like Mc Donald's, Taco Bell, Burger King etc. I recall that place having all three where we parked and we were given a good hour to order food eat, etc.
I remember I saw two men sitting outside who were homeless and they looked pretty badly off. I did not eat lunch that day. Instead I asked if they were hungry and they said yes. I then went inside and I used all of the cash I was given for lunch of souvenirs and bought them food and something to drink.
I was not looking for anything in return and it did not matter that I was hungry on the ride home from our trip. I could eat when I got home. Skipping a meal was not a big deal to me. I was I believe thirteen/fourteen at the time. I felt good about what I had done. I do know that those men had called my school to thank me for helping them. I was informed about that from the principal and my parents who had no idea I had done that.
Honestly I did not even want any recognition I just wanted them to not go hungry for a day.
I love knowing I can make someone's day brighter, easier, or better. You never really know if someone is on their last nerve and might just choose to hop out the window. I would hate to know that I could have put a smile on their face and failed to do so.
Masking or not I do receive enjoyment out of helping others. I have worked hard to become a kinder person even if I do not feel empathy or compassion for other people. I know it is a conundrum. How can someone who lacks empathy and compassion for the world, still try and be kind? I Do Not Know!!!
I am who I am, and honestly I do not want to change. I enjoy being kind to people. Whether people agree or not with what I do that does not stop me. I literally cannot sit by and not help if I can.