I am a firm believer that we are born into this life to live joyfully. So why, then, are so many people unhappy? Having coached hundreds of clients and had my own lulls of discontentment, I have learned that much happiness can be derived from service to others.
In my free download, How to Activate Your Braveheart™, 28 Questions to Transform Your Life, two questions I pose are about service to others.
The questions?
1. How do you make a difference in the lives of others?
2. How does making a difference in others’ lives make you feel?
As for me, I’m a natural motivator. I know that when people talk to me — even if it’s our first meeting — they leave the conversation feeling better than they did when we began. Positivity is a gift that I offer others. It comes from an authentic place within; the part of me who wants nothing more than to be of service to others.
I give to others not because I expect anything in return (although reciprocation is always appreciated) but because I love to help and inspire others. And you know what? When I make a difference in someone’s life, that feels good to me, too!
There are lots of ways to make someone’s life better. Read to children, mentor younger women in your workplace, church, or community, or hold the hand of someone in hospice.
Moreover, making a difference isn’t limited to people. You can spread your caring energy with animals and the environment, too. There is so much need in the world!
Where do you see yourself stepping in?
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick and easy way to get started!
- Think about your passions. What is something that always energizes and excites you? Make a list of 3 – 5 items.
- Inquire about known volunteer opportunities in the communities you frequent. Many workplaces have a volunteer portal. If you belong to a religious/spiritual community, there may also be volunteers lists there. Check the local schools and animal shelters.
- Register with websites dedicated to matching volunteers with opportunities. VolunteerMatch.org, Idealist.org, and CreateTheGood.org are three sites to get you started. Each one offers you the opportunity to register and receive alerts for opportunities that fit your interests and skills.
All that said, helping others doesn’t need to be formalized. I’ve taken a neighbor to lunch, walked a dog when the owner didn’t have time, and left small gifts on the front porch “just because.” Sometimes, it’s the small things that make the biggest impact.
Service to others is one of the best-known methods for invigorating one’s spirit and soul. Here’s the best part of all: when giving selflessly to others you are not only making someone else’s life better, but you are also nurturing your personal divinity.
Join the Braveheart community on Facebook and Twitter for more inspiration!
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