Multiply the Love in Week 46: The Simple Act of Helping a Friend in Need
“When helping someone who’s lonely or someone who is blue, bring your one and only and they’ll feel better too.” – Carl Dreizler and Stephen Arterburn
In today’s fast-paced world, where we’re often wrapped up in the daily grind, it’s easy to overlook how meaningful a small act of kindness can be. Helping a friend or someone in need may seem like a selfless act, but the love you give is often returned to you tenfold. This transformative experience can bring you and your loved one closer while also making a difference in someone’s life. Inspired by Stephen Arterburn and Carl Dreizler’s book, “52 Simple Ways to Say I Love You”, why not take this opportunity to not only help someone in need but also deepen your relationship by working together to make someone else feel truly cared for?
Imagine this: you and your partner selecting someone who may be feeling lonely, disconnected, or overlooked—maybe it’s a friend who’s been going through a tough time, a neighbor facing unexpected challenges, or even a stranger in your community who could use a boost. Offering your time, compassion, and understanding doesn’t have to involve grand gestures. It could be as simple as a coffee date with a friend who’s been feeling down, or perhaps surprising someone with a warm meal. When you make these connections, you create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that will likely extend far beyond this single act.
Step 1: Select the One in Need
Think carefully about the person who might need a little extra love right now. Consider who in your life may be dealing with a difficult season—such as a friend who’s navigating a recent loss, someone facing health challenges, or a family member who may be feeling isolated. Pay attention to subtle cues: have they been quiet lately? Have they canceled plans more than usual? If no one close to you comes to mind, consider volunteering together at a local shelter or organization that serves those in need. When my mom lived in a memory care residence, my family and I spent a lot of time not just visiting her, but also laughing, talking, dancing and sharing stories with the other residents. Helping someone you don’t know personally can be equally rewarding and can offer a new perspective on gratitude and giving.
Step 2: Find Ways to Make Them Feel Loved and Cared About
Once you’ve chosen someone to reach out to, get creative in planning a way to brighten their day. It doesn’t have to be costly or elaborate. You could cook a homemade meal and deliver it to their doorstep, plan a low-key hangout like a movie night or a walk in a nearby park, or simply spend time with them, offering your listening ear. If the person lives far away, consider writing a heartfelt letter, sending a small gift, or arranging a surprise video call. A gesture as simple as bringing someone their favorite coffee or dessert can be enough to show them that someone cares. Tailor your actions to what would feel most meaningful for them. The goal is to make them feel genuinely seen, loved, and remembered.
Step 3: Reflect and Carry It Forward
After your experience, take time to reflect together. How did it feel to connect with someone in need? What did it mean to your friend or the person you helped? Discuss whether you want to continue doing acts of kindness, individually or as a couple. Perhaps you want to make it a tradition that brings warmth to both you and others.
Multiply the Love during Week 46
Helping someone in need has the power to multiply love and forge connections that benefit everyone involved. So, take this step with your loved one. Reach out to someone who could use a friend, and let the ripple of kindness carry forward. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to spread love, and who knows? It may bring unexpected blessings back to you, too.
About Chanelle
Chanelle Carlin is Your Celebrant for LifeTM. She is an ordained minister and professional wedding officiant with a passion for celebrating love and life. As the owner of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, LLC, she also coaches couples, believing that every moment of life and love deserves to be cherished. Chanelle works closely with couples who have cultivated strong relationships and ready to embark on the journey of marriage with a unique and unforgettable ceremony. As your Celebrant for LifeTM, she is dedicated to honoring all of your special milestones. Chanelle is also the host of Now You May Kiss (TM) Podcast. Her podcast focuses on your bespoke, outdoor elopement or intimate wedding Ceremony in the Pacific Northwest. She lives with her family in rural Okanogan County, Washington. You can visit Chanelle at www.chanellecarlin.com or on social media on FB, LI and IG.