Notice the saying is not in grabbing we receive, although we may be tempted to believe it is in grabbing that we get more. There is no denying that life in the twenty-first century is demanding. There never seems to be enough time to do all the things that need to be done: keeping up with our work, studies, or the demands of running a household, spending time with family, earning enough money to pay the mortgage or rent, and buying necessities. With so many challenges to cope with, you may ask yourself, “Why should I expend any effort in giving?” or “I’m already scrambling to deal with all the demands and pressures on me” or “How could I find time or resources to give more?” No matter what the circumstances are in life, we all have the ability to give. Did you know that giving is good for you? Indeed giving can provide lasting benefits such as:

• Making a positive difference to others.
• Helping you emotionally, physically, and even financially.
• Helping you achieve your full potential.
• Bringing you more meaning, fulfillment, and happiness.
• Creating within you a sense of empowerment, pride, and accomplishment.
• Improving your health by reducing stress, enhancing the immune system, and increasing your life expectancy.

Most of us use only a teeny-tiny part of our true potential and never find our gifts or calling in life. Indeed, when you give to others or to meaningful causes—watch out. You may start to expect more of yourself, increase feelings of your own self-worth and achieve your very own potential. As Mahatma Gandhi so eloquently wrote “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.”

In life, people wish to achieve meaning, fulfillment, and true happiness (which often arise in bits and pieces). These do not come from being self-centered, but rather from making a difference and giving happiness, to others. Go forth with passion and pure enthusiasm. If you are having feelings of unhappiness try to make someone else happy. If you are feeling unfulfilled, go ahead and try doing something meaningful for another.

It is in giving that we are receiving exponentially. The more you give of yourself, the more you will find yourself. When you positively affect another, you positively affect your own life. If you are not sure where to start, taste the beauty of giving something small. At the core of giving is compassion and love. Give your time, your knowledge, your wisdom, your experience, or your love. It all comes back tenfold—if not more—Just One act of grace, kindness, or giving at a time.

Most excellent organizations for Volunteer Opportunities:

The American Cancer Society - Volunteering to help individuals within our community whose lives have been touched by cancer, visit www.cancer.org or call 800-227-2345.

Brevard Public Schools Foundation - Volunteering in a Brevard Public School as a mentor, visit http://bsf2.brevardschools.org/default.aspx or call (321) 633-1000 ext. 756.

United Way - Volunteering as a reader, tutor, or mentor, visit http://www.uwbrevard.org/ or call (321) 631-2740.

Habitat For Humanity - Volunteering to buildhouses in partnership with very low-income families, and welcomes involvement from all people, visit http://www.brevardhabitat.com/ or call (321) 728-4009.

Health-First - Volunteering in many capacities within the hospitals, fitness centers, or affiliates, visit http://www.health-first.org/ways_to_help/volunteers.cfm or call (321) 434-4300.

Parrish Medical Center - Volunteering in the Parrish Medical Center Auxiliary, visit http://www.parrishmed.com/Careers/Volunteer/default.aspx or call (321) 268-6362.

Wuesthoff Health Systems - Volunteering in 21 different service areas, visit http://www.wuesthoff.org/volunteers/volunteersHome.aspx or call (321) 637-2603.

Lana M. Saal, M.S., Manager of BPS’ Staff Wellness program holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition, Master of Science degree in Health Education, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has over 25 years of health and wellness work-life experience and can be reached at Saal.Lana@BrevardSchools.org.