Altruism, giving, self care?

If you've been reading for some time, you may find yourself surprised by today's post. I often write about how we as women are drained and stressed out and overwhelmed by constantly taking care of all those around us. So, it may seem strange that today I am going to recommend volunteering your time to give care to those less fortunate.

But hear me out. I don't know if this is as true for all of you as it is for me, but I have a running list of things I want to do because I simply want to do them, it can be because I have an interest, because I think they will make me feel good, because I want to learn about them, or because I think they are just plain cool. 

Things like...

• Martial Arts
• Competitive Agility trials with my dog
• Kayaking or canoeing
• Making my own wine

Some things on my list I've recently actually done...

• Making my own home brewed beer
• Completing a triathlon
• Completing the Chicago Marathon

These lists go on and on. I'm sure you catch my drift. One of the things that is regularly on my list is volunteering more. But I never find the time to look into the organizations, or the time commitment does not fit my schedule, or the location or whatever. 

I'm sure many of us have heard that there is no such thing as true altruism as whenever you give to another, you get back something in return, even if it just the feeling of warmth or accomplishment or joy at seeing another's burden's lessened or heart lifted.

At this time of year, with the holidays in the air, there is no shortage of opportunities to volunteer, and organizations are openly and actively looking for assistance. Toy drives, coat drives, food drives, soup kitchens, veterans assistance, pack and send supplies or gifts to the troops currently deployed, if you live near a base, there are programs where you can invite a soldier to your home for a holiday meal, you can even visit an elder care facility and simply spend time visiting with some of the residents who don't have family that visit very often.

The different ways you can give back are limitless and the effort to find them now is minimal. You can even include the whole family and share this experience of giving and receiving with your children.

You'll find, that you get to check something off of that list of yours that you never get to AND you'll find yourself feeling warm, wonderful, and filled with joy and love.

And isn't that the whole point of self care after all?

I'm just plain happy

Image via WikipediaSometimes I'm reminded that the rest of the world doesn't seem to think the way I do. I'm just plain happy. I mean really, truly, genuinely happy most of the time. Life is just too short, in my opinion, to be any other way.

I am so lucky, have an amazing husband who is my best friend. We have a house, 2 great dogs. Fantastic families, great friends. I have a 9-5 job for a super company and a business I truly love. My husband has his dream job. We've traveled more this year than I have ever in my life.

On any given day, if you pass me and ask how I'm doing, my reply will be "FABULOUS" and it will be genuine. I find that surprises most people. So many people go through life with an "I'm here" response to that question. Why? When people ask me why I'm so good I say why Not?

Don't get me wrong. I'm no Pollyanna. All of this doesn't mean I never get frustrated or angry or sad or disappointed. I do! I just don't stay there. I know I have loads of room for improvement, personally and professionally. My house isn't the biggest or the nicest or heck, even the cleanest. But when I have friends over, it is the warmest :) I have weight to lose, but instead of focusing on that, I focus on the fact that I completed my first triathlon and 2nd marathon, the Chicago Marathon no less, this year.

I think the thing, more than anything else, that keeps me so happy so much of the time is my ability to find the funny. Even the most frustrating person or situation is funny if you look at it from the right angle.

When the day isn't going your way, laugh a little. See what a difference it makes. And think of just 1 thing each day that makes your life great.


Life is awesome! Enjoy it while you're here!