Do you want to experience feelings of empowerment, joy, and inspiration?

[Landon]

It is very simple: Give


[URL="http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/22/volunteering-community-service-corporate-responsibility-forbes-woman-leadership-nethope.html"]The Benefits Of Giving Back - Forbes.com[/URL]

[URL="http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6272.html"]Feeling Good about Giving: The Benefits (and Costs) of Self-Interested Charitable Behavior — HBS Working Knowledge[/URL]

[URL="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201005/giving-thanks-the-benefits-gratitude"]Giving thanks: The benefits of gratitude | Psychology Today[/URL]

[URL="http://www.squidoo.com/altruism"]The Health Benefits of Altruism[/URL]

[Barbara G.]

Thanks for sharing with the group!

[BarbySue]

Landon, you and I have talked about this before but I have to say it again...I get such a high from making the hats for the soldier and now the hats for the chemo patients at the hospital where I live. I'm really not doing anything major just making a few hats but for some reason it really gives me a high. I'm in this little bubble that I'm feeling so great I just love this feeling and it makes me want to do more. Had I known that I would feel this way about doing something for others I would have been volunteering a long time ago. And it isn't the praise or anything of that nature as that makes me uncomfortable, I like being under the radar so to speak. But I get this feeling while I'm setting in my recliner making the hats just knowing that someone who needs and wants it is going to be getting it very soon. That is what gives me the high. Thanks for posting the article at least I now know I'm "normal" whatever that means. LOL

[Landon]

Thank you, Barbara and BarbySue!!

I struggled at first in making the soldier's cap, at some level I knew that I am making a cap for someone who is in harm's, who could get injured or worse yet, killed.
They don't know me, but they are doing that FOR me. I can barely even write this without tearing up and being grateful and proud to be an American. There is so much we can do for each other that costs us so little and requires so little of our time. Compared to what we get in return? There is no comparison, I think.
And we don't have to be rich to help out, a few dollars helps out, helping a friend, a neighbour, a stranger feels great to do. You just have to find your own niche, I believe.

BarbySue, I am thrilled to hear that you have found yours!