Make a Difference
Feel Fabulous by Giving
Have you ever felt lonely or depressed during the holidays? After my divorce, the first Thanksgiving without my kids I went to the movies and just sobbed. I felt like my life was over. I went to a twelve step meeting and they said “do something for someone else.” I took their advice and put together some goody bags filled with art supplies for the kids stuck in the hospital over Christmas. The nurses were thrilled, the kids were happy and I felt great.
I have been doing that for over twenty five year now. And my giant goody bag is packed and ready. Over the years I have added sweet treats for the nursing staff. Often times I make a stop at the library, police and fire departments to say thanks for all their hard work.
It is a proven fact that when we help others we help ourselves. A surefire way to add greater meaning to your life is to get involved with a cause or a charitable organization you believe in. Research has shown that givers are happier people than non-givers. According to the Social Capital Community 2000 Benchmark Survey, a survey of 30,000 American households who gave money to charity were 43% more likely than non-givers to say they were "very happy" about their lives. Similarly, volunteers were 42% more likely to be very happy than non-volunteers. In addition studies show that volunteers have more energy, are healthier and live longer. It is time to get moving and get involved.
Choose one way to volunteer in your community. What skills do you have? What do you enjoy doing? Who would you like to serve? Has anyone you cared about been touched by a disease or tragedy that you would like to combat? What grabs at your heart, the lack of education, the environment, animals?
What do you stand for? What really matters to you?
How are you going to share your time, talent and treasures this year?
I am passionate about ending sexual abuse and improving the lives of women and children. Therefore, I am donating 10% of the proceeds from my book to NWCASA, https://www.nwcasa.org/ an agency that provides free services to victims of sexual assault.
Do what you love. When you give something back you give the best part of you. According to Jay Backstrand, president of Volunteermatch https://www.volunteermatch.org/ “the feeling of personal reward and fulfillment that comes from the simple act of volunteering…builds the confidence we need to make our own dreams come true.”
Opportunities to serve are endless. Visit our website https://www.thewinningadventure.com/IMPACT50download.phpto download IMPACT 50 – creative activities you can take to make a difference and feel fabulous.
Rae Luskin is a leader in using creative expression to nurture self-worth, resilience, healing, and social change. The author of The Creative Activist: Make the World Better, One Person, One Action at a Time, thirty-six stories from people who have embraced their personal power and creative gifts to create change in the world. In these pages are practical exercises and journal questions that will help you step into your brilliance, power and purpose.
Buy your copy today https://thecreativeactivist.com/book/ or buy on amazon today and gift one to your local library which improves the lives of everybody.