This last year has taught us a lot, and one thing more than ever before has been to share the love. To look out for others and to show them you love and care about them. It’s been a time where people have felt lonely, and that includes the people that also live with someone. I know that I have felt lonely at times, and I have a husband and two young children running around the house. I’ve missed being with the people that are important to me and who I care about.
Over the last year the girls have and I have lots of different things to show the people in our lives that we care about them. To feel connected to them, even when we can’t see them. To bring a smile to their face and make them feel less lonely.
I thought I would share with you some of the things that we’ve done and you might be inspired to do the same and share the love.
- Send a card/letter to someone. The girls have made lots of cards over the last year, and sent them to friends and family. They wrote some lovely letters to their friends and grandparents. I know that when they received a letter from their friend, how much it meant to them.
- Make a picture for a local care home. We have a care home in our village and the girls made pictures that we dropped off. I know how much it meant to the residents, who couldn’t have visitors.
- Baking. Make a nice cake or some yummy biscuits and drop them round to a neighbour, a friend or a loved one. Next on our list is to make our Easter Crispy Chocolate Fridge Cake and give to friends.
- Make a phone call. It’s a simple thing, but it can mean everything right now. Everyday Alice phones my Mum for a chat. It started in the first lockdown and schools were closed. Alice would read to my Mum and I know how much my Mum loved it. Every day since, Alice has phoned her for a chat.
- Talk about how you’re feeling. It can really help to tell someone how you’re feeling. Just that release makes a difference. Often they will feel the same, and it can help to know that others are feeling it too.
- Donate to a charity/foodbank. We have a lady who lives in our village who works at our local food bank and she keeps a box outside her house for people to drop off items. This has made it really easy for us to donate, as we go on our daily walks. At school every Christmas they do a reverse advent calendar and last year the food bank needed it more than ever. Alice loves taking in the item of food each day throughout December.
There are lots of ways that we can feel connected to people, even during these difficult times when we can’t see people. It’s these little things, that can mean a lot and bring a smile to someone. Design Bundles has lots of tools and inspirations to help you. They have pledged to be a part of this cause and to help spread positivity through creativity and crafting. You can access their tools here – SVG file
If you are feeling lonely, I’ve included some numbers and resources you can use:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ – Helping older people combat loneliness, including weekly friendship calls.
https://www.samaritans.org/ – Offer both text and phone resources if you’re feeling low and need to speak to someone, whatever the reason.
https://letstalkloneliness.co.uk/ – An advice and support hub to feel less alone.
https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/ – Offer connections for the elderly.
If you’ve done something to show someone that you care, I would love to hear about it.
Disclosure: This is a paid collaboration.
