Time: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
STEP 1: Brainstorm or research different organizations or shelters in your area where you can spend time volunteering in order to give back and share your “wealth” – whether your wealth is money, time, empathy, material possessions, experience with overcoming, etc. We all have something we can give back based on what our lives have consisted of thus far.
STEP 2: Once you have some ideas of how you would like to give back to your community, contact the organizations and share your ideas, as well as ask them what they need and how you can help. You may be able to help in a way that you hadn’t thought about until they mention it. Consider how much time each week or month you have to help out. When you speak with a member of this organization, be sure to let them know your availability so that they can utilize you in the most effective way.
STEP 3: Set a date to visit the organization, take something to them, or provide money to those who need your support. Look through your home and see if you can part with some possessions others can enjoy. Teach your children to give back by asking them to go through their toys and decide what they’d like to give to those children who don’t have as much as they do. Consider donating your time, possessions, money every year at the same time (i.e. spend a day giving back to the community during the holiday season, or donate something to charity every year on your birthday). Making your donations/volunteering a routine will ensure that you won’t forget.
STEP 4: Appreciate the time you’ve given others to bring a smile to their faces. Feel good about paying it forward. Keep it up – you will continue to be blessed by it.
