As we quickly approach Thanksgiving, it reminds me to pause and focus on feelings of thankfulness and gratitude that I failed to fully recognize throughout the year. As all moms know, the mental load of motherhood is crushing, and often, those moments of feeling appreciative and grateful do not get the full attention they deserve, at least for me personally. Instead, I am ashamed to admit; they are overshadowed with scheduling well-child checks and dental visits, rushing to buy that last-minute birthday present, and running back to the grocery store for that one missing item that is essential for dinner; amongst the other million items on my never-ending to-do list.
I started volunteering when I was a teenager. I noticed that it fulfilled the part of my life that craved service. It also strengthened my feelings of gratitude and appreciation for my life, allowing me to focus on my countless blessings instead of what I was lacking; and emphasized the importance of helping those who are struggling through difficult times. Over the years, I have strived to continue my volunteering journey. Although with the numerous responsibilities of being a grownup, my participation has ebbed and flowed.
There are many benefits to volunteering that I think are also overlooked which include developing a strong sense of community allowing you to work alongside like-minded individuals to achieve a common goal or purpose, and personal benefits which include improvements in self-esteem, happiness, and development of inter-personal skills.
With so many wonderful and deserving organizations, it also allows for everyone to find a cause that interests them. An excellent article entitled Phoenix Non-Profits: We Love Giving Back Phoenix Non-Profits: We Love Giving Back (momcollective.com), is a great place to start researching organizations that are inclusive of our younger volunteers. In addition, other opportunities that children could participate in include volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank (which has a special Kids section on their website), For Goodness Cakes (that allows a child under 18 years of age to participate in baking treats for children/youth in foster care with adult supervision), and Kids for Kindness which hosts events throughout the year benefitting different charities and organizations.
As anyone with children knows all too well, they’re always secretly watching and studying your every move. They incorporate the information they glean from you to figure out how to operate in this world. Why not model the importance of volunteering and start the practice while they are young? Try using the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to begin a new family tradition of helping others. Volunteering as a family can provide benefits everyone can reap for years to come.
