Saying yes, and being a good receiver.

Helping is a two way street.  Generally we think of helping and giving in the sense of reaching out to others to support them and do something to lift them up in some way.  A one way street; something going from "me to you".. 

But that's not where it ends. There is a second half of the transaction.  Think about how you feel after you have reached out, offered something of yourself, and helped another.  It is a pretty good feeling isn't it?  That feeling of helping another with the expectation of nothing in return. Just doing it because you can and you are a caring human being is a good feeling.  There is something returned to the person doing the giving to the giver. It is a two way street.

Who is to say which side of the street gets the most benefit?  I would offer that there is no "most benefit" there is just benefit.  Both the receiver and the giver benefit from the transaction or good deed.

Remember this the next time someone offers to lend you a hand in some way.  Pride often gets in the way of being a good receiver and of saying "yes" to someone who is offering something to us.  We may think that "I don't need it as much as they do," or that we don't want to appear "needing" anything, the "I can take care of it myself" syndrome.  Next time someone tries to help you remember that feeling you get after you give to or help someone, that feeling of pride and contribution.  Be a good receiver, say yes and give someone else that same feeling.

Helping Others Find Their Own Happiness

They say happiness is an elusive thing. You do not exactly look for it or chase it. Being happy is on of the greatest emotions a human being can experience. It is an exhilarating feeling of being alive, an invigorating lift of the spirits. A laughter that elicits the joys of rejoicing.

Sometimes, in our own true quest for happiness, one major factor gets overlooked. Happiness is even more meaningful and worthwhile when we help others find it as well. There is this inherent delight in knowing you helped others finding their own visions of happiness because the mere selfless act of helping creates joy.

It is like sharing your life with them as well. There are 3 major keys to help others find happiness. 1.) Motivate and inspire-You know the feeling when there is somebody that inspires, you whom you look up to you; likewise motivating you that you can be all that you ever want to be in your life.

This is one of the best things a person can do for someone to help them attain happiness or bring back the joy that was once lost or forgotten to even just to smile a bit. Look for ways on how to motivate and encourage people. There are times when even a simple act of a friendly hug, a warm smile, a pat on the back, a firm handshake or by just telling them of your trust and belief in them is enough to make them glad.

2.) Give yourself freely. Most saints like Mother Teresa are best paragons of giving selfless acts of kindness by giving freely of themselves. Although sometimes, it is difficult, but giving freely of yourself is a rewarding experience. One effortless way to do this is by participating or joining in an organization or support groups of any kind.

These are remarkable because you do not have to worry or try to find out how to give freely of yourself. All they need is your presence and you just have to do what it needs to b done. It shows another charitable side of you, when you give unconditionally and never asking for anything in return.

You may have no idea what happiness you can bestow to someone by just being there, sharing stories, bringing laughter, or by merely volunteering even a couple of hours or more a month of your time. 3.) Be a classic living example of how it is done. The greatest and effective way to really help people find their own happiness is to live very happily yourself.

By doing so, you will naturally show people that yes, it is actually possible and capable to live a very happy and fulfilling life. They will emulate you and you become their epitome for happy living. You will be a classic inspiration to many. They will think that if it can happen to some, then it can happen to them also.

Ultimately, since you already knew how well to do it and live by it, teaching other people in succeeding how to live a happy and meaningful life will be much more easier.
Written by: Amy twain  on articlecity.com

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. As we reflect today, let us remember that, in part, we are giving thanks to all of the people that have given of themselves in some way to make this day possible.

"Help one another; there's no time like the present and no present like the time."- James Durst

Join in the Helptime Challenge starting December 1st.  Helptime is challenging everyone to offer some form help, or giving, every day for the month of December. Any form, big or small it all counts.  Share your stories and comments of helping with us, starting December 1st.

Volunteerism for Teenagers: A Great Character Builder

Volunteerism among high school and college students is at an all-time high; many school systems actually build volunteer work into their curriculum. Young people are building homes for Habitat for Humanity, working in National Parks for the Conservation Corps, and involving themselves in political, environmental, and social causes.

It's certainly admirable for young people to take an active part in these causes; but it may be even more important than routinely recognized.

Unfortunately, the United States is a materialistic society. Teenagers - many of them the same teenagers lining up to volunteer their time - have access to more discretionary funds than any previous generation, and they're spending it. CDs, DVDs, iPods, cell phones (and the accompanying bills), designer clothes, shoes, and bags - all of these material goods are in easy reach of many of our teenagers. Beyond the danger that these kids will grow up with unrealistic expectations when it comes time for them to move out, get a job, and support themselves, there's a real question as to whether these young folks, used to having anything and everything they want, will be able to relate to those less fortunate than they are.

This is not a frivolous issue. The high school and college students of today are the voting citizens of tomorrow; some of them will become the leaders of tomorrow, charged with making decisions about people from all walks of life, from the most privileged among us to the desperately poor. How are these often privileged middle class kids to develop empathy for those less fortunate than they are, if they never interact with them?

Volunteerism is a way for kids to cut across social and financial boundaries and connect with people different from them. Upper middle class kids from the suburbs of Malibu can work side by side with poor kids from rural West Virginia and urban Brooklyn, clearing trails in a national forest and in the process experiencing an environment beyond the screaming product ads on TV and in magazines billboards. Young people who sign on with Habitat for Humanity can develop an understanding of the difficulties involved for a low-income family when faced with finding decent affordable housing. Locally, kids who volunteer as companions in nursing homes can get a sense of the loneliness and isolation many elderly people experience when cut off from family and friends.

Teenagers who involve themselves in volunteer work can develop valuable skills and a sense of responsibility that will stand them in good stead when it comes time for them to enter the work world. But perhaps more important than job-related skills is the opportunity for these young people to develop empathy and a sense of compassion for those who have been wounded by life. Perhaps for these future leaders and citizens, developing compassion is the paramount and most essential benefit of the volunteer experience.

Written by: Aldene Fredenburg  on articlecity.com

Why Is It Important To Volunteer?

Volunteering is important for as many reasons are there are people and needs.

1. Some people volunteer because they just love helping others. Their own joy of giving and making a difference makes them feel valued and valuable to the ones they are serving. They receive back a thousandfold by seeing the impacts created for the people they are helping.

2. Others volunteer because they feel a need to give back to a community that has been good to them and they want to express their gratitude by paying it forward into their community. This is powerful leverage that can build lasting beneficial changes in a viral way.

3. Still others volunteer because it gives them a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives. It's like their contribution to others is fulfilling a critical aspect for their own self-expression in the world.

4. And, of course, many people volunteer to gain valuable new experience in a certain field and pay their dues for developing expertise and career advancement opportunities.

5. Last but not least, great volunteers enjoy themselves while giving to others. Long term studies have shown that volunteers live longer, are in better health, have lower rates of depression and less heart disease.

The poet John Donne said it best, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main..."

Share Your Gifts With Others

Everyone has unique gifts to offer, bar none. When you share your gifts from your heart, you cannot help but feel great! If you don't feel these self-rewards, then you are either volunteering in an area that doesn't fit who you are, or else you've got some deep inner work to complete first.

Many of us don't think that we can really make a difference. That's why, if you have a desire to help out, do some research and find an opportunity to try it out. Your very own community will have plenty of opportunities to do so. If you are new at this, it's also a good idea to choose the volunteer leader to whom you feel you can relate to and learn from.

The opportunities to make a real difference and impact the lives of others present themselves everyday. The question is, will we take advantage of them or let them pass by like an afternoon breeze?

This Article was written by: Gertie Guide on www.articlecity.com

The Helptime Challenge Coming December 1st

‎"If you ever need a helping hand, it is at the end of your arm As you get older you must remember you have a second hand. The first one is to help yourself. The second hand is to help others." - Audrey Hepburn

The Helptime Challenge will begin December 1st!

 

Help by supporting an organization that feeds the hungry

Today I would like to mention a specific organization and more importantly the specific mission or cause.  Long Island Cares or otherwise known as The Harry Chapin Food Bank. 

A regular and healthy diet is so important to living a full and productive life.  Food is a basic and fundamental necessity, without it you can not think, act, do or contribute effectively.  Lend a hand, consider supporting a cause that feeds the hungry, educates them and helps to raise people so they can in turn help others.

In the interest of sharing and helping to raise awareness, below is some information about Long Island cares from thier website:

• Founded in 1980 by the late singer, songwriter and social activist, Harry Chapin, our organization provides nutritional food and support services for a network of more than 540 community-based member agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, child care programs, disability organizations, veterans services and more.  While the annual distribution of nearly 6 million pounds of nutritional food warehoused in our 27,000 square foot Distribution Center is at the heart of Long Island Cares’ operations, we function as more than just a food bank.
  Long Island Cares provides a broad array of programs and services including hunger education, job training, supplemental food programs for children, school supplies, job development, legislative advocacy, and a triage food pantry.  As you navigate your way through our website you will have numerous opportunities to learn more about our organization and its mission.  You will meet our legendary founder, our dedicated board of directors, and our talented staff.  You will learn a great deal about hunger on Long Island and have an opportunity to help us in our fight against hunger.  You can review our annual report, download a copy of our agency brochure, find out where Long Island Cares is conducting a food drive, and make a secure online donation in support of our efforts.

Even in bad times there is good news - volunteering up in 2009

Even in bad times there is good news!

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, volunteering was up in 2009.

"Both the number of volunteers and the volunteer rate rose over the year ended in September 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. About 63.4 million people, or 26.8 percent of the population, volunteered through or for an organization at least once between September 2008 and September 2009. In 2008, the volunteer rate was 26.4 percent."

Here is the link to the full story.

Thank you to Veterans

Regardless of your opinion of the current war and political conditions, we should stop and recognize the sacrifice of the men and women and their families of the US Armed Services. 

You put your lives on the line in the spirt of giving and helping of others - Thank you and Cheers to you.

Charity begins at home – The small things matter

When they say “Charity begins at home”, often what is meant is giving to or supporting your local community instead of trying to “save the world”. Essentially it is supporting a cause that your neighbors in need will benefit from.

With our busy hectic lives, sometimes we forget that “charity begins at home” can be even closer than our community. It can be in our actual homes. Those closest to us often are taken for granted and lending a thoughtful hand to them can be overlooked. Take a look around you, offer some patients and a helping hand or kind word to a family member that could use it. It could be your spouse, roommate, sibling or child – we all could use a hand now and then.

Helptime joins Facebook to share our tool for giving, volunteering and lending a hand

Helptime has just joined Facebook to share our tool for giving, volunteering and lending a hand.  If you are a member on facebook checkout our site and click the "like" button to stay informed about that is happening at Helptime.

Giving - in different ways

Giving is helping and it doesn't have to be in the form of money.  The last couple of years have been financially and emotionally challenging for many people.  Yes a financial gift is always welcome and easy to measure, but very often a helping hand is just as beneficial and appreciated.  Giving some time to a local charity, helping a neighbor with a chore, even expressing genuine thanks to others are all forms of giving.  Acts of kindness have no size - they all count.  Reach out and lend a hand.