I'll be the first to admit that I can't do a lot of the projects that I discuss in my monthly articles by myself. A lot of what I get done around the home is through knowing the right people and bribing friends and family with food and promises to help them when the situations arise.
Isn't that the reason most of us help a friend move? So that when it comes around to us needing to move, the friends we helped will return the favor. The same can be done around the house for work that needs to be done. "Trading services" is a great way to get projects done, especially those that you could not do alone. Be sure to be sensitive about who you ask and how often. Make it a priority to be available to help them when the need arises. Remember the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would want done unto you".
Don't always be looking out for you and yours. If you hear of a friend, neighbor or co-worker in need of a hand, be quick to lend it. Use the gifts and talents that you have to help others. Think of witty ideas and different ways you can help others, even the simple things that aren't your trade or profession. Little things that make a difference, such as when you know your neighbor is on vacation you can mow their lawn and take out their garbage bins and bring them back in. When you find out someone has had a baby, you can cook a meal for their family. If you know a widow or an elderly woman, you can offer to help whenever needed. Even little things can make a big difference. Growing up I heard a saying, "If you help enough people get what they want, you will automatically get what you want." This goes beyond construction projects, home makeovers and renovations. This is an everyday principle we can all apply to make our communities feel like a place we call home and not just where we live. So, regardless of your situation or needs, you can still help others.
As a warning, next month may not be for the faint of heart. Prepare yourself for my article in December. It will be informative ,nonetheless.
Happy Thanksgiving!