I Stand for the Following

The areas of our life which we devote time and energy to exploring can say much about what we value and what we stand for as a person. Our activities allow us the opportunity to share a piece of ourselves with others. When that activity is driven by altruism, however, the benefits extend beyond the expression of value and into both positive mental and physical health benefits. So, in helping others with an activity we believe in, we are enjoying the blessings of self-expression and the biochemical benefits of selflessness.

Maybe you run or walk with Ainsley’s Angels. Perhaps you donate to literacy programs, help out at Earth Day, or give your time to children during Sunday church services. Those choices let me in, ever so much more, to your world. They let me see you and welcome me to share myself. And, as I value you, I can see the value in what you do more than any words you could offer in explanation.

Did you know that altruism lowers your blood pressure? Yes! It can increase your sense of self-worth and lower incidences of depression and stress. Truly! Longevity has even been linked to selflessness.

So, you are saying that doing good is good for you?

YES!

Want to live longer and be happier? What can you give? Who can you help?

We are social creatures. Find your people and be there for them. Enjoy the boost of serotonin and dopamine. Bond through your rising oxytocin levels.

So Who Are My People? How do I help?

Start with what you enjoy. I enjoy creative outlets, crafts, good stories, and new experiences. I love spending time with children and in nature. So I volunteer with my kids and for kids. I get involved in activities which allow me to get creative and to get outside.

What do YOU enjoy? Are there any organizations that tap into it?

Look around where you are. Chances are, there will be a flyer or Facebook announcement, or an instagram reel inviting you to join with your people. Farmer’s Markets, your favorite blogger, or your favorite YouTube host might offer you some opportunities. Mark Rober and #teamtrees has propelled my eldest into gardening and reforestation. Burrowed in a book at a local coffee shop I might find something different then you might on a bulletin board along your favorite running or biking trail. Look around you. What do you see?

Ask. If you don’t know where to start, ask those you admire, trust, or enjoy spending time with regularly. Volunteering together cements bonds and builds new stories. If you are a busy household, this may be a precious time to spend with those you love doing something together. I started volunteering with my husband and it has become a shared passion that adds to who we are to each other.

Be OK with a bad match. There are activities out there that are not for me. I will never run a 5K. I will walk for a cause but -and I don’t know if you know this, but running is hot. If I am going to sweat, I am going to be hitting something in MMA. I have learned that I AM willing to haul things, set up, and take down. I like to plan but not to be the #1 in charge. This knowledge informs MY choices. I have also tried helping with causes that I believe in only to find out that the organization is not for me. That is okay. Try somewhere else. Altruism is about feeling good. If you are miserable, try again.

We are not meant to live in isolation. Find your people. Participate. Help. Share who you are. You are a unique creation and worthy of knowing. Introduce yourself through your actions.