When was the last time you lent someone a helping hand?

Don’t let old fashioned values be a thing of the past.
Let’s make common courtesy an everyday concept and bring old fashioned values back in style.

This past weekend I had the unfortunate experience of having my tire blow out. After turning my flashers on, I began the process of changing the tire myself. Now, I’m an old pro at changing a tire and I’m definitely a do it yourself type of girl. But what struck me was how many cars passed by without stopping to see if I needed any help.

I can’t count the times I’ve stopped to help people. I remember a time when there would have been no question about someone stopping to see if they could help someone stranded on the side of the road.

Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. Most people can barely look you in the eye when you pass them on the street. And it’s easy enough to say that times have changed. But have they changed that much? And do we really want them to change that much?

Old fashioned values where helping your neighbor is common place doesn’t have to be a thing of the past. Take the time to get to know your neighbors. Help a friend in need. Smile at a stranger for no reason. Offer to mow the lawn of an elderly person If you see someone in need, take a chance. Offer them a helping a hand.

It doesn’t take much to make the world a better place. Common courtesy goes a long way. And you never know when you might be on the end that needs that helping hand. Set an example for the children of today by teaching them the values of tomorrow.

So I challenge you to start creating your own sense of community today. Step away from your computer. Put down your iPhone. Take a friend to lunch. Volunteer at a local shelter. Go plant a tree. There are so many ways to become involved in your community. The more you help the people you know, the easier it becomes to help the people you don’t know. Let’s make common courtesy an everyday concept and bring old fashioned values back in style.

As for my flat tire,  a kind gentleman did finally stop to see if I needed a helping hand. The fact that I basically already had the tire changed was irrelevant. The fact that he actually took the time to stop was enough. The concept of lending a helping hand isn’t dead. As a society, we’re just a little out of practice. So let’s start exercising our humanity muscle and build a helping community we can be proud of.

Like “I’m not ‘spiritual,’ I just practice being a good person.” on Facebook.

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Editor: Kate Bartolotta