“Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life.” ~Arnold Schwarzenegger
One of the quickest ways to pull your life out of a rut, get rid of bad habits, change a bad attitude or stop yourself from feeling down is to serve others. Service is simple. It helps you feel better by making others feel better. If you feel like you are lacking something in your life, not reaching your full potential, or not happy, try serving others. It can change your life.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
1. Donate money to charities and organizations that you support and believe in. It doesn’t even have to be a lot of money; any amount can make a difference. If you don’t want to donate money, try donating lightly-used clothing that you never wear or your children’s toys that they don’t play with.
2. Do organized service at least once a month. This can be visiting a senior center, helping out at the food bank, cleaning up a park or something else that is important to you. Just make sure you put it on your calendar and don’t let anything else get in the way.
3. Help out more around your house, neighborhood and community. Don’t forget about the little things like helping your spouse do the dishes, helping your neighbors move and being a part of your child’s carpool.
4. Be quick to help those around you. If you see somebody who needs help, do it!
Those who do good and serve others are often happier than those who only seek to please themselves. It is true: While serving others does improve the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment it brings to your life. Serve others more often and you’ll notice a positive change in your life!
