Sometimes life can seem too hard to bear. When this happens we need to be comforted – to receive a gentle hug, comforting words, a helping hand, or other supportive actions. Such compassionate and thoughtful attention can lessen grief, make distress seem lighter, and bring healing relief. These tender outcomes demonstrate how allowing yourself to be comforted, or giving comfort to someone else, is beneficial, and therefore is good for your health.
BE COMFORTED BY OTHERS
When difficult times come along, being comforted by a family member, friend or work colleague, can help ease feelings of sorrow, reduce worry, strengthen courage and inspire hope.
TIPS:
– Humbly accept someone’s gift of caring. Comfort is love. It’s a spiritual quality that soothes hurt and brings peace. Never be too proud to be comforted by others.
– Allow the comfort of others to inspire you. Comfort is hope. It’s courage to overcome trouble through the uplifting “wisdom, Truth, or Love — [that] blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort… ”. Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p. 234
– If you’re alone. Don’t feel comfortless. There‘s a divine Love always present with you. And just like a mother, that Love is supporting, comforting and strengthening you, now and always.
BE COMFORTING TO OTHERS
Bless others. Comfort them. Help restore their wellbeing, contentment and security.
TIPS:
– Comfort your children. In times of tragedy remind them that good is always present. Fred Rogers, a popular American children’s’ TV show host relates how as a boy when he saw scary things in the news, his mother would say to him, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”. To this day, especially in times of disaster, he says, “I remember my mother’s words, and I’m always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”
– Express your mothering qualities. Never withhold comforting words or actions. Be ready to console, reassure, encourage. Reach out to others through the divine Love “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received”. The Bible, II Corinthians 1:4
– Be brave. Put aside any doubts. Do what you can to lessen someone’s sorrow. Don’t hold back. No matter how small or simple you think your words or actions are, be assured that if they come from your heart, they will be just right. You can be comforted and comforting. It’s good for your health.
This article has been published on Motherpedia. Read more by me on Motherpedia…
Also published in the November 2017 edition of Around Point Cook and Around Altona Community newspapers in print and online via Issuu.
Photo attribution: © Glow Images. Models used for illustrative purposes.
Life can sometimes seem like a test of strength – mentally, emotionally and physically. The good news is, that it’s possible to stay strong in the face of hard times, family worries or relationship problems. Everyone can triumph over adversity because within each of us are the spiritually mental qualities of resilience, courage, firm determination and inner strength. Right now, whether you’re a man or a woman, you can stay strong. What’s more, doing so is good for your health.
With the coming of Spring, it’s time to shrug off winter’s gloom, put a pep back in your step, and revive that sparkling energy which carries you effortlessly through the day. Cold, dark hours may have tricked you into feeling mentally sluggish, yet your inner get-up-and-go is there just waiting to be activated. So whether you’re at home or work, get energized. It’s good for your health.
At every stage of life there comes a time when you need a strong dose of encouragement, to receive a confidence boosting ‘thumbs up’, or to hear such reassuring words as “you’re doing well, keep going, don’t give up”. To receive such strong support from others is comforting and uplifting. Yet, if it isn’t forthcoming, you don’t have to wait around. You have permission to take positive action to raise your self-esteem, and appreciate who you are and all you do. So go on, don’t be shy. Encourage yourself. It’s good for your health.
When Winter hits town, so too do the grumbles. The days are too short, there’s not enough sunshine, the temperature is cold, it rains, we can’t get outside. The weather’s not making us feel happy. We long for the Spring that heralds the warmth of Summer. But do we have to wait for Winter to leave before we enjoy life again? No. Try these tips. Get on and enjoy Winter. It’s good for your health.