New Year’s Wishes!
Make 2017 a year of gratitude.
Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, why not choose to be grateful every day? You might consider a gratitude journal to regularly record your blessings. Spread your joy into the world in 2017 by volunteering. There are many benefits to the recipient and the giver.
If your family is the center of your universe, then find an activity and work together as a unit to give back to the community. By encouraging everyone to volunteer, you will show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help people, animals and organizations. It is also a valuable way for you to get to know the philanthropic needs in your area. You might even find helpful resources and activities.
Are you blessed with good health? Giving volunteer hours to your local community can assist in maintaining your mental and physical wellbeing. For example, researchers measuring hormones and brain activity have discovered that being helpful to others delivers immense pleasure. The more we give, the happier we feel.
Anyone who has ever held a puppy or a kitten knows the value of connecting with an animal. Showing gratitude for the animal kingdom in the form of volunteering may counteract the effects of stress, anger and anxiety. You might even meet new friends and expand your support system, which in turn in protects against depression.
In today’s digital age, many people choose to give time using the telephone or computer. Whether due to a disability, a lack of transportation or time constraints, there are still many volunteer opportunities you can do from the comfort of your home. Many local organizations need help with writing, graphic design, email and other web-based tasks.
We are grateful for our readers, and we hope you will continue to follow us in 2017. The best is yet to be…
Growing from our roots in faith, Westminster Canterbury Foundation nurtures the spirit of gratitude. To find out more information on volunteer opportunities here, please contact Kathy Morton, Administrator Volunteer Resource Development at 804-264-5201 or kmorton@wcrichmond.org.