Our Podcast has various episodes on how to Survive the Holidays.

 

Listen here:

 

 

Here’s the transcript:

Giving back is a powerful way to bring some joy into your life.

 

When thinking of giving back and service, I always think of that Friends episode where Phoebe and Joey are debating on whether or not there is ever a truly selfless act. Joey says there isn’t, and Phoebe is convinced there is, so she does all of these different things to prove Joey wrong. She ends up donating $500 to PBS because Joey is working the phones, and that gets Joey on TV, which then makes her happy. She ultimately loses because she feels good for doing something for her friend.

 

This happens whenever you’re doing something for someone else.

 

Now before we get too far, I don’t want you to think that you need to give when you’re feeling depleted. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself. But sometimes, what’s missing is doing something for someone else and giving back.

 

There are so many ways that you can give back. You can donate money, clothes, food, toys, and so many other items to so many charities! There are a lot of businesses that partner with charities to be a designated drop off place and really help the organization. If you really don’t want to donate something, just remember: it’s a tax write off!

 

You can also get involved with donating time. You can help out at Habitat for Humanity or United Way of Larimer County. Get involved with the Food Bank or the Humane Society or another animal shelter. Whatever your passionate about, there is an opportunity for you to get involved to help, and these organization always need help!

 

I know you’re thinking “Marissa, I don’t have time to donate time! I have no time for the things I need to do!” Guess what! Volunteering will help you in ways you didn’t necessarily know how.

 

It will connect you with others. I know the introverts out there might try to avoid some situations if they have to meet someone new, but if you’re going to meet someone new, why not make it someone that is kind enough to want to volunteer and someone that is aligned with something you’re passionate about? There are stories of couples and best friends who have met each other at volunteer opportunities. And there are stories of people who don’t feel like they have the time to volunteer but go anyway and while they’re there, they meet someone who takes something off of their plate in their personal life and makes their life easier.

 

Volunteering your time can actually position you in ways that can help you professionally. Making more connections with new people creates more opportunities for YOU. Getting to know someone in a volunteer setting can position you to take a new job or even get that dream job, because someone who volunteers and gives back is someone who will give more to an organization. It also teaches you new skills. Not that you want to be volunteering to get a new job—just that it can create new opportunities for you.

 

It’s good for you mind and body. Volunteering can actually help combat depression, stress, anxiety, and anger. Partially because you’re interacting with others who are also there to help, which will help you build your support system. It helps build self confidence because you’re working with others toward the same goal. Accomplishing that goal will boost your confidence.

 

Finding time to give back will make the holidays enjoyable because you will know that you are making another’s life better. Whether it’s time, money, or supplies, giving back is investing in your community, and in turn, yourself.