"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -- Leo Buscaglia

What does it mean to be a caring person?  Are you one?  A caring person is sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.  It's not enough to feel you care, you have to be willing to take some action that can help another to feel better.

Those who are overly self-absorbed are not able to care about others.  They are too concerned about their own circumstances to be aware of anyone else.  Self-absorbed people often feel life is a contest where they have to vie against others for a piece of a limited pie.  They mistakenly believe that if they don't beat out someone else, there won't be enough for them.

This outlook is substantially flawed.  There is more than enough for everyone.  Life offers unlimited abundance.  However, self-absorbed people will constantly struggle to achieve their goals, if they achieve them at all.  And should they get what they want, there is little or no feeling of contentment.

When you care about others, rather than being wrapped up in yourself, you attract more of what you want as a result of helping others.  Caring people tend to be happier, more content, and more successful compared to those who are only concerned about themselves.

Does it matter if people care about you?  Although it's nice when it happens, if it doesn't, it shouldn't matter.  It's tempting to feel that you will care about others only after they care about you. The question then is who will start caring first?  Caring isn't a response, it is a cause.  When you care, others will care about you.  The people who care about you may not be the same as the ones you care about.  But it doesn't matter.

When you are a caring person, you attract other caring people into your life.  As a caring person you will be very comfortable to be around.  You will project a very positive energy which attracts more positive energies and people.

Should you only be caring when it's convenient, or is it worth the effort to be caring even if it requires some sacrifice?  People who genuinely care, do so regardless of the energy required.  Caring isn't linked to convenience.  Rather, it's based on someone's need.

You can be a caring person without sacrificing your own well being.  An erroneous belief is that you must suffer in order to be genuinely caring.  You will be in the best position to care about others when you first ensure that your own requirements are being met.  You can't be of much service when you need assistance yourself.

There is another important reason to care.  It's because you can get everything you want in your life by consistently helping other people get what they want.  When you take care of others, you will ultimately be taken care of.  There is no way to know when or how, but it will happen.

How can you show how you care?  There is no gesture too small.  As the opening quote so aptly states, there is amazing power in a touch, smile, kind word, or sincere compliment.  Something that may seem insignificant to you can have a major impact on the life of another. 

A caring gesture, at the right moment, regardless of how simple, will seem like a gift from God to the recipient.  In return, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you have made a difference to someone else.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2008 Bryan Golden

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