build your beautiful self

Today is the 3rd year my daughter and I are volunteering for the Wounded Warrior Project’s Annual Gala. It is one of my favorite times of year because it is so wonderful to hear the stories that are told and see such an eclectic group of people come together for a great cause!

All of us get so busy in our daily lives working, building an empire, running from this appointment to that appointment and not really realizing that there are so many others that may struggle on a daily basis from things that we can never comprehend. Some of us get so hung up on making money that spending an afternoon doing something that won’t pay you a dime is unfathomable. Time is money is the motto that drives this world and it is a sad thing.

Have you ever stopped and thought, what am I contributing to the world? Sure your business may make life a little better for some and turn a profit while you’re at it, but to really make a difference, you have to give some without taking. There are so many charitable organizations out there that help a variety of different walks of life. Donating money is great, but it is the easy way in my opinion.

When you volunteer your time, you get to submerge yourself in the lives of others, hear their stories, feel their pain and realize that your problems are insignificant in the grand scheme of things (well unless you are a recipient of the charitable giving).

I have made it a point to step outside of my daily life a few times a year for the Wounded Warrior Project and once a week leading therapeutic horses around for disabled children. The best part for me is going to the events for WWP and hearing the stories of how thankful they are for the organization and the ways that the organization has helped them overcome their troubles. The best part about going to the horse barn is seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and seeing how proud they are of themselves when they are able to really do something for themselves! I see the confidence instilled in them when they are able to follow a direction and make a 1200 pound animal do what they want it to do!

Giving time and energy is so much better than just giving money. You really make a difference in someone’s life! The reasons you do it may be selfish in nature (your feeding your own soul and making yourself feel good), but it is truly a selfless act because you are bettering the life of a person, even if it is only for an hour.

My suggestion to you is to think of something that you love. For me it is supporting my troops and being around horses. I found 2 organizations where I can revel in my passions. I am able to make a small difference in the lives of those in the program even for a short time.

When you find what you love to do, find an organization that fits that passion and volunteer a little bit of your time. Your soul will thank you!

Never give up on the journey of bettering the lives of others. We all can do our part to make this world a little better for someone.