Helping Others

I recently read the following quote:

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.  And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

–Tenzin Gyatso

In addition to being the Director of the Minnesota D.A.R.E. program, I am also a Medical Social Worker for a Home Health and Hospice program just outside the Minneapolis metro area.  I spend several hours a week assisting people who are severely ill and/or dying.  When I’m asked why I would want to work with the dying, I always answer that it is how I can help others and, in return, they teach me about life.  These patients are looking back on their life much differently than you and I.  They can easily see that their purpose in life is to be there to help others.  These are the positive times that they remember, hold on to, and tell me they will miss.

You can help others too!

When you see others struggling at school; maybe people are bullying, teasing, and harassing them; you can help them.  IF you can’t, “at least don’t hurt them.”  Do not join in.  Do no laugh with the bullies.  If you would just reach out to that student, it would make a world of difference to them and you.  Others will trust you a whole lot more than the bully.

Think how much it would mean to you to have someone reach out to help you and how good you will feel when you do it!

Kathi Ackerman, Executive Director

Minnesota D.A.R.E., Inc.