I was thinking about yesterday’s post that was inspired by the quote by Aung San Suu Kyi: “if you’re feeling hopeless, help someone.”
It occurred to me that what makes that quote work is to have “skin in the game”, as the pop culture saying goes. For instance, my mood was lifted when I helped my friend–not a stranger–achieve his goals–locate the areas of his writing that need some shoring up. This is important to him and, as his friend, it’s then important to me, too.
Same thing for Julie, who commented on yesterday’s post. Her spirits are uplifted when she babysits for her grandson and also when she spends time with and helps her mom. In both these instances, she has plenty of “skin in the game.”
I’m all for performing acts of kindness to all–stranger and friends alike. But it seems to me that the biggest boost–and sustaining the boost–comes from helping people close to us: family, friends, colleagues, and others we know.
Have you tried this and have you found it helpful? Did you tweak it to make it more effective?
Let me know what you think in the comments below!
You’re spectacular!
Your Friend and Pep Pal,
Lauren
PS Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating their special day today!
Yes I Can Pep Talks 
