“When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad and that is my religion.” ~Abraham Lincoln
It’s no secret that we live in a world that’s obsessed with wealth, fame, and celebrities. Some call it the “age of narcissism.” I’m not sure I want to label or judge our current circumstances. Instead, like Gandhi suggests, I’ll put my focus on being the change I wish to see in the world.
Being an everyday hero does far more for you than you may imagine. Some benefits of volunteering include:
- Volunteers develop a “helper’s high” due to a link between kindness and a gene that releases dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter in the brain.
- Volunteers report feeling energetic, warm, calmer, and greater self-worth.
- Volunteers enjoy being helpful because it’s as pleasurable as eating a chocolate chip cookie.
- Volunteers are more loving and less angry, resentful, or fearful.
- Volunteers increase their own level of happiness due to the law of cause and effect: What goes around comes around.
The following are other ideas to inspire you to begin.
1. Provide a box at your school, work, or place of worship and ask others to make food contributions. Distribute it monthly.
2. Daily save the change from your purse or pockets and donate it to a favorite charity at the end of each month.
3. Begin a warm coat drive.
4. Join efforts to preserve and protect the environment.
5. Donate cat and dog food to an animal shelter. (Call and ask what is needed.)
6. Collect used books and make a donation.
7. Donate flowers to nursing homes.
8. Donate professional services including: teaching classes, giving a workshop, consulting and coaching services, or professional speaking.
9. Teach someone to read.
10. Begin a giving circle with your friends. Every month one person hosts a “girl’s night in” by having a potluck. Each person donates $20 to a chosen cause.
11. Offer to clean or paint someone’s home.
12. Donate your time to a preschool. Collect educational toys.
13. Cook dinner for shut-ins.
14. Collect prom dresses for underprivileged youth.
15. Offer to do manicures and pedicures in a children’s hospital.
A final option:
Make the words, “How can I help” part of your everyday vocabulary. Because actions speak louder than words. Because we want to make the world a better place for everyone.What are you waiting for? Let join 30 Days To Happiness