November is a time to be thankful for all we have in our lives and to give back to those around us. So often we are wrapped up in the shopping, eating, and festivities, that we may forget why we celebrate this time of year. This past quarter, Chris and I have been focused on the idea of do more. What can we do more of to help ourselves and our community? So today I am partnering with adidas to share with you 5 ways to give back this season and do more for those around you.
I’ve partnered with adidas on this blog post to inspire you to give back this season.
WHY BOTHER?
Giving back doesn’t have to always be some grand gesture, it can be simple. It doesn’t have to cost you anything, but being thoughtful. At the end I promise you’ll have more self-esteem because self-esteem comes from doing esteem-able acts.
Think beyond yourself. I’m the first person to admit I usually think of myself first. Hello, youngest child by 15 and 12 years! It’s part of me, but it’s not what I love about myself either. I try to live my life by doing what’s right most of the time. This can mean different things for different people, but I hope my moral compass is accurate.
On top of focusing on doing what’s right, I like to take time and think outside of myself when I’m frustrated.
Example: There are times I think someone is out to get me and purposely does something awful to me, like cutting me off in traffic.
The reality usually is that that person does not even realize what they’ve done has affected me at all. That person might be rushing to get somewhere because of an emergency. Who knows?
Essentially what I’m trying to say is it’s not about you 90 percent of the time. Of course there are the ass holes out there, but usually it’s not that serious. Everyone is trying to just survive. So this month, I’d like to take time to focus on how I can help others and give back to my community and I hope you’ll try some of these tips out too.
5 TIPS TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
CARE PACKAGES
Put together care packages with water, protein bars, toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, etc. to hand out when you see a homeless person. Stash in your car for easy access.
My neighborhood has quite a few homeless around. While I can’t always buy them a meal, I can spend a few hours this month to put together packs that might help them out.
PUT OLD LINENS TO GOOD USE
Find old towels, blankets around the home and collect them for the animal shelters. Shelters are overcrowded and they can use all the help they can get. I know for a fact I have tons of old towels and blankets that I don’t need. Give them a good wash with a gentle detergent and drop them off at your local shelter.
YOU’VE GOT SKILLZ
Offer your skills for free! Play the piano? Offer to play a few hours for a nursing home, I know when my mom stayed at skilled nursing she appreciated the entertainment. So often we forget that we can offer our skills out to those who need them. Great at photoshop? offer to help a small business, non-profit, or elder edit. I promise you when you help others, they will pay it forward.
OPEN A DOOR
Open doors for others, offer to help those who need it at busy parking lots to load their cars during the busy holiday season. My mom was in a wheelchair the last year of her life and having people move out of the way or help clear a path made all the difference. Most of the time people seem to be oblivious and make navigating a wheelchair a nightmare, so I promise you holding a door open or just getting out of the way means the world.
WALK IT OFF
There are so many different run/walk events these days. It’s a great way to raise money for a cause and shed a few pounds. So sign up for a walk or race, good for your health and for the community.
Giving back doesn’t have to be hard, but it does take a little thought. There are so many charities I want to donate to and so many creators I want to support. I do what I can and pay what I can, but when it comes down to it, if everyone just did one of these things I mentioned above, we’d all be living in a better world.
Share your tips to give back this season in the comments section.
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xoxo
Serein
This is such a timely reminder! I’m always just about to volunteer my time in some way but then I never get around to actually doing it! You’ve motivated me to take the next step!
Author
Yay! This is amazing Mary, I know whoever is lucky enough to have your time will appreciate it.
Love this girl!! Giving back is SO important <3 Love that you're sharing this!
XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/my-1st-year-as-a-mom/#2DpTbDEU7v6AvA9T.97
Author
Thank you Jessi!
Your sweatshirt is amazing. I need a similar one!
xx
http://www.mybeautrip.com
Author
Thank you so much! It’a so comfy.