The Power of Giving Back to Others

 

Giving back to others is one of the most rewarding things you can do in life. It doesn't have to be anything big or fancy, even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. When you give back, you not only help others, but you also help yourself.

There are many reasons why giving back is good for you.

Studies have shown that giving back can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. It can also lower blood pressure and heart rate.

When you volunteer or give back to your community, you get to meet new people and build relationships. This can help you feel more connected to your surroundings and to the people around you.

When you give back, you feel like you are making a difference in the world. This can give you a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Volunteering or giving back can expose you to new experiences and challenges. This can help you learn and grow as a person.

In my community, I have been helping co-lead an entertainment committee. We plan fun events and have monthly dances, movie nights and much more. I know that it does give me a sense of purpose as well as helps me grow as a person. I enjoy it and actually just before I posted this I did some creative design work for a poster we will be putting in our clubhouse. I design all the event flyers and our entertainment newsletter we pass out monthly.

If YOU are looking for ways to give back, there are many options available. You can volunteer your time, donate money, or simply be kind to others. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. This is a great way to help those in need and make a difference in your community. This is something I personally have never done, but should consider. Where I live, there are many homeless in the surrounding areas. When I moved south, I discovered there are so many people that are homeless. There is a large population here in Florida.
• Donate to a charity that you care about. There are many charities that need your help, so find one that you are passionate about and donate what you can. You don't always need to donate money, but clothing, your time at a charity shop that uses volunteers, a food pantry. I know we have. food pantry in our clubhouse for those that may need something or want to donate to it.
• Adopt a pet from a shelter. This is a great way to give a homeless animal a loving home. There are so many dogs and cats that need rescued. We have many residents where I live that have rescued their current pet. 
• Pick up litter in your neighborhood. This is a small act of kindness that can make a big difference in the appearance of your community. There is a road on a wooded area that leads to our community and often times people drive that road and throw out their garbage. One of community residents often goes out on the golf cart with a trash bag and cleans it up. Kudos to her!
• Hold the door open for someone. This is a simple act of kindness that can make someone's day. I love when a young person holds the door for me as it makes me know that parents are still teaching children respect and kindness.
• Smile at someone. A smile can brighten someone's day and make them feel good about themselves. Sometimes a smile is all a person needs to change the way they are currently feeling. I once read a story where a young girl was considering suicide because she felt no one cared about her. A lady gave her a smile and acknowledged her and it gave her hope and she did not go through with her plan that day. 

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, giving back can also help you to:

• Learn new skills. When you volunteer or give back, you may be exposed to new skills and knowledge that you can use in your own life.
• Build your resume. Volunteering and giving back can be a great way to build your resume and demonstrate your skills and experience to potential employers.
• Network with others. Volunteering and giving back can help you to meet new people and build relationships with people who share your interests. These relationships can be helpful in your personal and professional life.

So, what are you waiting for? Start giving back today! You'll be glad you did. I know I am! I love being a volunteer in my community.