Personally, this year has most likely been my most productive, the year that I have laid some concrete plans and ultimately embraced the notion that I have a lot more to learn before I can claim mastery on anything.  Learning and self-development should be a life-long process.  I know this now.  I have graduated from 2 colleges in the same year, earned my BA in Human Services and Counseling, and am getting ready to continue on for my M.Ed. in Education and Human Development.  But who am I to boast all these achievements?  I am the same as you; a someone trying to carve their own path in the world.  I work for minimum wage helping students who are new to higher education, because I know how daunting the experience can be.

While we cannot separate the politics from the personal, I’d say that even although the global economy is seriously troubled, how we view our opportunities is purely a matter of attitude.  Negative media reports about the economic climate seem to justify an attitude of hopelessness in the masses, and the unemployment statistics erode at our sense of self-worth by planting the seed of negativity. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of November 2011, 8.6 percent of the US population is registered unemployed, and here in Kentucky that figure rises to 9.4 percent. (Compare to North Dakota’s unemployment rate at 3.4%).  One might be inclined to think that the business of finding an occupation is pointless, and this is the very attitude that will erode at the sense of worth and crush the self-esteem.  Is it any wonder that incidences of depression and mental illness are on the increase?

We need to find a reason for being, a purpose in life, a cause that inspires us.  So, while I do not earn nearly enough to support my family, and life is a struggle, I do have a purpose. I live in hope that the financial compensation will follow, but the psychological compensation is invaluable. I have set achievable goals, volunteered my time in my community, worked “off the clock” to help others.  I have become so involved with helping others, that the economic rewards are not my reason for being.  Along the way I have made many friends, encouraged others to become involved in their community too, and thus giving their live new direction and meaning.

 Happiness and a sense of fulfillment cannot be bought, and with the current state of affairs, there are many people who would appreciate a helping hand.  A little empathy goes a long way, and it doesn’t cost a single cent.  Challenge yourself in the coming year to become involved with an event, an organization, a mission and see just how it changes your life for the better. 

It’s exactly the remedy that worked for me and I am a better person for it.  I still cannot afford to purchase the latest trends, but then I couldn’t care any less for consumer fads and capitalist notions of self-importance.  This chick is not mainstream, in any sense of the word.

Celebrate the New Year with a new attitude!

See Also:

Local Area Unemployment Statistics:  Bureau of Labor Statistics (Nov 2011) http://www.bls.gov/lau/

Other Articles by Donnah Clark

http://www.triond.com/users/Donnah+Clark

If you want submit an article of your own, click below

http://www.triond.com/rw/534203

Every self-help book, guru or advice you’ve ever gotten probably told you to think positive, look at the bright side, or don’t focus on the negative.  But, a recent study suggests that if you want to change things for the better looking at the negative side of things can lead to improvement – or at least positive changes.

For example, recent social and political movements – such as the so-called “Arab Spring” or the “Occupy” movement – wouldn’t have happened if those involved had not looked at negatives instead of only the positives.  If you want to change the system, say the researchers, you have to get people to notice what’s wrong with the system.

Criticism Can Lead To Improvement

The researchers say in order to get people to stop looking at positive information and address the negative a little short-term pain has to be endured.  If, for example, people at work want to perform better they might have to bear some criticism about themselves in order to turn things around and do better.

To test all this theory, the researchers had volunteers read one of two scenarios about an unhappy person – in this case a student who was displeased about his freshman orientation experience at a university.  Some of the volunteers read that the student had successfully improved the system.  Other volunteers read about how the student had failed to improve anything, although he still believed in change.  Following that scenario each volunteer was told that an external review of the university had been undertaken and the volunteers were given a choice of reading parts of the report that dealt with strengths or weaknesses of the university.

Only Positive Won’t Work

The experiment concluded that volunteers who read about changes at the university were more likely to want to learn about the negative information, while others preferred only the positive information.

What this proved was that if people felt like they could change something they needed to see the downside of things first.  If you want people to make the leap to agreeing to change, you first have to get them see what’s wrong, say the researchers.  Looking at just the positive provides the means to accept the status quo.

So, if you remember that old song, “You’ve Got to Accentuate the Positive,” just reply “oh humbug.”

Click here for more articles by The Writin’ Cowboy.

This is not anything new. There have always been American people who have went against authority from the first day pilgrims landed here up until now. Think back in history – why did people come to America? They came to escape Britain’s religious intolerance. Then there was the Boston Tea Party, also rebelling against the British. Our nation was built on people who went against popular thinking and although it may not be seen as much in society today it is not because it is not there but because we do not open our eyes and see it.

There are plenty of people today who still help others. We are considered to be the crazy ones, the humanitarians. People jump into tracks to rescue others, not thinking of their own safety. Military personnel fight in other countries to defend liberties of the home-front. Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) help people in our country and in others. It takes natural disasters for the general public to see what we actually do. Does the general public even know that the Red Cross responds to disasters every day? Albeit they are not natural disasters that get lots of media coverage they still go on and help these people who are affected by fires, by floods, and many other things. These people respond to disasters whether big or small and are always willing to help out another. We help to run shelters and to supply people with food and water. Most importantly we do this without pay. We believe that to help out another person is reward enough.

There are also volunteer firefighters, auxiliary police officers, and volunteer emergency services personnel. Although as volunteers we hope for donations to keep our ambulance running or to keep our supplies stocked in case of emergencies we do not require payment of any kind. We all put our lives at risk every day but it is not noticed. If you tell someone you volunteer most people will say, “You do that for free?” or “Why?”. A lot of people believe that if you are not getting money for something then it is not worth doing, but there are a lot of people who do believe in helping others no matter what.

A lot of people who do believe that they cannot change anything are just lazy. That is the plain and simple truth. A person who says they cannot change anything no matter what they do is simply not willing to even try. If you actually think about it, what are you doing to change the world for the better? I know what I do is just a small piece of the puzzle but it is a start and if everyone did their part we would all be a lot better off. Until then the lazy people will depend on the work of others as it always has been. Why does Mr. Herbert make it sound like it has ever been any different? No matter which country you are in there are always lazy people. There are always ones who will just sit and watch the world crumble while sipping their coffee and mumbling, “Well, that sucks”. The thing is though, the fact that those people do not care does not matter that much because there are always people who do care and it only takes one person to change the world.

One person whether big or small can change the world. Whether it is that one person who hands you a plate of food at the soup kitchen, starts an organization to help others, or even donates their old clothes to a shelter or the Salvation Army. You can change someones whole perspective on life with some simple words of encouragement or even by just teaching someone a new skill. It may sound like it is not much but that one thing could mean the world – could be the world – to another person.

After September 11th, 2001 all of a sudden everyone wanted to help. Why? Why did they all want to do something immediately after but not before? Why did that onslaught of people who wanted to help disappear a few months after? Why even though we were there as volunteers all along did they want to help for a few moments and then disappear? Why can’t people change their thinking to see the good they can do everyday? I do not know the answer to that question.

I believe that every American knows they can do something to help out society – some people actually do something, some people do not. Some people chicken out, some people try. Don’t you want to be the one that tries?

There are great physical and psychological health benefits as well as important community benefits from HoHOho-ing? Better heath, happiness, improved well-being and longevity are your incredible gifts when you choose to take on the Christmas spirit of giving and help others and not just at Christmas but all year through. Thomas H Sander from Harvard University said about helping others “Research shows it miraculously improves both your health and the community’s.” Improvement includes physical and mental health such as lower rates of depression, increased longevity and lower incidence of heart disease. So giving/volunteering literally makes the heart grow stronger. Who would have thought you could help yourself to better heath and happiness by helping others!

Volunteering has the ability to produce significant health benefits particularly for older adults and those who serve 100 hours annually or about two hours a week. One study indicated that doing regular volunteer work, more than any other activity, proved to dramatically increase life expectancy. Taking on the role of Santa Claus or Mrs Claus is a wonderful way to get involved and help your community. Santa America is a non-profit volunteer organisation servicing countries around the world 52 weeks of the year. It’s a great place to find out how you can help and create a little magic at the same time for you and others.

Volunteering/generosity of spirit can bring about meaningful and even miraculous benefits to both body and mind. Research from the John Hopkins Medical Institution found that you can “…slow the aging process… ” while giving back to the community. There was an interesting study done by Harvard psychologist Dr David McClelland who measured students before and after watching a film on Nobel Prize laureate Mother Teresa, for her work helping the homeless. McClelland found that even the simple act of watching a film on ’selfless service’ strengthened the immune response in the students. However, Dr Albert Schweitzer aptly said “The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve”. Service really is an essential element to becoming truly healthy and happy.
 
So now we know it’s scientifically proven, it’s good to be good! With a vast and compelling collection of scientific research on the subject concluding that helping others makes you happier and healthier, we now know that volunteering buffers stress and reduces the risk of disease while building connections, a sense of purpose and life satisfaction. A great read is “Why Good Things Happen to Good People: The Exciting New Research That Proves the Link Between Doing Good and Living a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life.” By Professor Stephen Post.

There are many ways to volunteer. Let’s together grow healthier and happier communities and at the same time enjoy a better quality of life for all. Volunteering at Christmas is a great way to start and it’s the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. So go on, get involved with your community and commit to giving back for your and our collective benefit.  If you would like to know more great Christmas insights visit www.HoHoHoChristmas.com

“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2 (New International Version).

Would you like satisfaction in your life? Then walk in love in all you say and all you do. It can be something simple like giving your seat on the bus to the elderly or a pregnant woman. How about saying thank you at the check out counter? In all you do and all you say let love be your guide.

3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 New International Version

“We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers” (1 John 3:16 Gods Word Translation).

People always ask me why I am always so happy. Although it is not possible to always be happy most of the time I am and I will share a little secret with you: When you always try to live a life of love you enlighten others lives. That means they always light up when you enter a room and are happy to see you. That makes me feel happy.

So if you want the secret of being happy here it is: What goes around comes around. When you are loving and kind with others, they will reciprocate and be loving and kind with you.

“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2 New International Version).

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.Romans 15:1

Prayer: My Holy beloved Father, thank you for Your precious gift of Your love for me. Please guide me on how I may share this sweet gift with others to not only glorify Your awesomeness, but as a tool to guide others to You. In the name of our Immanuel Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

May the sunshine of Jesus’ sweet love bless you today and every day.

As a volunteer, you have simple duties, like pouring and passing out cups of coffee or fruit punch. Sometimes there is an organized activity in the dining area or the day-room. They love choral groups or a musical ensemble to come, entertain for a while. Another job is arranging the residents wheel-chairs in a semi-circle so everyone who shows an interest is able to hear and see. Usually after the meetings, there are refreshments offered, like trays of cookies and an assortment of different fruit juices. Also, there is a time to express thanks, to the people who came in and so graciously shared of their time and talents. Many residents really enjoy listening to music. Some even like to chime in and sing along.

Socializing is one of the most important activities in a nursing home. A couple more good ones are, gathering in a group meeting to play a game or a twenty minute class of stretch-exercises to limber up. Coming out of their own private rooms, being around other residents and the workers, all give them a little encouragement, a will to get out of bed, freshen up, and face another day.

Volunteers usually come in to help serve the meal trays. Placing bibs on each resident and pouring the drinks, are just a couple tasks that many can’t do on their own. A table organized at the back of the dining room, is set up for those who aren’t able to feed them-self. Again, volunteers come in to fill this vital need, because there are so few paid workers to cover all these extremely, important needs. After the meal is over, volunteers help the residents in wheel chairs, navigate back into their main hallways.

Another wonderful activity for these people, is to organize an afternoon outing to a local restaurant for lunch. The Activities Director, along with a few volunteers, do this occasionally to bring enjoyment into these residents lives. Helping with frequent bathroom breaks and clean-ups are an important part of this type of outing. All in all, you will never once volunteer your time at a nursing home, without receiving back much more joy, than you’ve poured out on others!

Stress can take a tremendous toll on both body and spirit. It can leave you feeling fatigued, making it hard for you to concentrate. You may be more susceptible to illness as a result of your stress, resulting in increased absenteeism from work. You may be more prone to getting into accidents, and you may feel as if you’re on edge much of the time.

There are a number of strategies you can employ to deal with stress. But perhaps one of the most rewarding is to engage in volunteer work. There is something so comforting about donating your time to helping someone else. The mere act can elevate your spirits, helping you to better cope with the stressors in your life. You are giving a tremendous gift-the gift of your time and talent.

Image via Wikipedia

If you’re considering volunteering, you don’t want the search for volunteer opportunities to be stressful. Therefore, you’ll want to make the process as simple as possible. A good resource can be your local newspaper.

Deciding which organization to volunteer for can be a challenge. There are so many causes worthy of our attention. For instance, there are groups that assist people in times of disaster…groups that lobby for research to find cures for debilitating diseases…homeless shelters…soup kitchens…

In order to decide where to put your talents to use, you might ask yourself some questions. For instance, how much time can you realistically devote to volunteer work? Are you limited to doing your volunteering in the evenings or on weekends? How much of your own money can you spend in connection with your volunteer work? The answers to these questions could help you to choose the volunteer opportunity that’s right for you.

Next, you’ll want to tour the volunteer facility. You want to get a sense of whether you will enjoy the work. If you find that the other volunteers are difficult to work with, it could simply produce more stress in your life.

Volunteering does require commitment, and you might be wondering if that commitment will add additional stress to your life. Actually, the opposite will probably be true. If you find yourself being energized by your volunteer work, you’ll be able to put your problems in better perspective. Knowing the difficulties that other people face can make your troubles seem quite negligible in comparison. However, you will want to make sure that you don’t overcommit.

Volunteering can be one of the great joys in life. It is a privilege to serve other people, to make a difference in another person’s life. Through your volunteer work, you’ll be able to meet people you might otherwise not have the opportunity to encounter.  You’ll be contributing greatly to your neighborhood and your society, and your little corner of the world should be brighter because of it.

1. Volunteer Work Helps the Community

One of the obvious benefits of volunteering is the benefit it provides the community. Some community organisations such as homeless services are underfunded and overworked. Working with these organisations can provide real help, whether it be as a volunteer at a soup kitchen or as a fund raiser. Volunteering not only provides personal satisfaction, it can also improve the welfare of disadvantaged people in the community.

2.      Volunteering Increases Skills

For the unemployed or those considering a career change, volunteering provides a gateway towards new employment. Working in the office or shop of a charitable organisation increases retail or office skills. Whilst working in an outreach programme can improve communication and counselling competence.

1. Volunteering Provides Work experience.

Volunteering provides work experience for students or for the unemployed. Working as a volunteer enhances future employment prospects. For a student, volunteer work can provide a reference for a future employer. Having volunteer work on a resume shows enthusiasm and a desire to work as part of the community. Volunteer work is a very good item to add to a professional CV.

The situation is similar for a person seeking employment. Experience in a volunteer organisation shows a committed work ethic and will increase the possibility of gaining a new job.

1. Volunteer Work Creates Friendships and Networking Opportunities.

For an older person or somebody new to an area, volunteer work creates opportunities to form friendships and social networks. Working on a project as a volunteer can lead to the formation of friendships in the wider community. For older people, who are often isolated, it can become the focus of a social network and reduce loneliness.

1. Volunteer Work is Educational.

Volunteer work for a community or charitable organisation is an educational experience. There is the obvious work training aspect, but in addition there is a chance to see life from a different perspective. Working with or for the disadvantaged can expose the volunteer to situations and experiences that they would not see in their usual social circles. More life experience leads to a better educated and more rounded view of societal problems.

The education can extend to obtaining a personal knowledge of strategies to employ in emergencies, for example in a domestic violence situation. A volunteer who has worked in a community organisation could gain the knowledge to help a friend or relative who finds themselves in a violent relationship through their experience in volunteer work.

Volunteer work is a personally rewarding and sometimes demanding experience. It can provide glimpses into aspects of life that are unpleasant and provide education for dealing with crises. The most important advantage of volunteering is the benefit it gives to society. A volunteer can make a real difference to the life of a disadvantaged person and thus create a better, more harmonious community.