With the busy stressful lives we lead, it’s very easy to get stuck in our own little world with our own problems, not paying attention to the bigger picture. One of the best ways to get you out of a self-pity rut is to learn and appreciate what you have, compared to others in this world who are suffering and start giving back. The easiest way to do this is by donating money to charities like Unicef, where every donation makes a difference, big or small. Here are some other top ways to give back.
1. Start with giving back at home
Sometimes it’s good to look in your own backyard if you want to start giving back. Go and volunteer at your local homeless shelter or even buy the next homeless person you see some lunch. Your local animal shelter will always be in need of volunteers, or simple donations like old towels and sheets.
2. Run your own charity event
If you have a particular charity in mind, or cause then it’s very easy to raise funds by running your own charity event. This can be as simple as running a bake sale at work, or doing a charity funded sports event. Get creative with ways to raise money. I’ve seen everything from music gigs, cocktail parties, clothes swaps, art shows, yoga classes, dinner parties as ways to raise funds.
3. Volunteer overseas
When heading overseas it can be about something more then just having a nice holiday. There are so many great organisations and charities out there that you can go and volunteer through. I was lucky enough to spend some time in Cambodia volunteering for a local organization called NFO. I taught English to young school children that wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get an education had it not been for this organisation. Teaching isn’t the only thing you can do overseas, so look into the different organisations and find a cause dear to your heart. Perhaps it’s with the animals in Africa or working with refugees.
4. Do something nice for your neighbours
Sometimes giving back is just about doing something nice for someone just because, and expecting nothing in return. When was the last time you spoke to your neighbours, let alone made them a cake or took their rubbish out. We are so disconnected and disengaged from our community these days where no one even looks at each other in the eyes, let alone says hello. So maybe next time you are doing some baking, take some over to your neighbours and say hello. You’ll be surprised at the warm fuzzies you get from giving back, just because.
