With this world heading in the direction it is, what we need now - more than ever - is love, service, and selflessness. When that negative commotion is blaring into your ears, remember that it is the quiet and simple things that drown them out. From a smile to donating to charity, there are endless options that you can do to better the world around you and live a much simpler, yet happier life.
Jewelers Mutual Insurance is one great example of doing just that. They are currently set to donate $2 million to support three important causes - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, and Feeding America or Food Banks Canada. But the best part is that you can participate by adding your voice to help them decide just how to disperse this record breaking donation (head to the bottom of this post to learn more).
But of course, you don't have to donate millions to make a difference. In fact, it really is the small and simple acts that can make the biggest difference. Here are 10 of my favorite ways to give back within my own community...
Tip 1 - Declutter your life
We don't need all of the "things" we think we do. Decluttering is one of my favorite pastimes and it really helps me to feel more centered and see clearly.
Tip 2 - Smile more
Ok, I'm not trying to be one of those creepy dudes that tells you to "smile more, you look better when you do." No, no. I'm literally saying that a smile can change someone's day for better. Plus, it's just about the easiest task you can perform that will make a real difference
Tip 3 - Pick up any litter you pass
This world needs us to take care of her just as much as we need her to take care of us. Doing a little scoop anytime you walk past an abandoned piece of paper or water bottle, then discarding of it properly could make a big difference in the long run.
Tip 4 - Recycle
I am sometimes disgusted at the amount of trash I can produce. We have so much waste and most of the time it doesn't even phase us. But, well... it should. Creating separate bins in your home for paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum isn't as hard as it sounds. (or bonus - find somewhere that sorts the products for you so you only need one bin.) The jewelry I'm wearing in this post is made of recycled material - how cool is that?!
Tip 5 - Hold the door
This is such a simple and lost art. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman - holding the door for someone as they enter or exit a building is and should be common courtesy. Plus, it gives us one more chance to interact with people around us (another lost art).
Tip 6 - Think of others
When you think of an old friend or even an acquaintance, send them a message. Goodness knows I appreciate when I hear from people whom I love but don't get enough chances to speak with. It's an easy way to let them know you care; and who doesn't like to be thought of?
Tip 7 - Shop at thrift stores
It's a great way to save money, support your community, and bonus - you get to wear unique outfits no one else will have. My friend Brandi (who found and gave me the amazing shoes I'm wearing in this post) makes a living off of the items she finds at thrift stores. This outfit is actually almost entirely thrifted or recycled.
Tip 8 - Spark up conversation
It's rare that sparking up a conversation with someone while you wait in line at the grocery store will ruin their day. In fact, I think it almost always does the opposite by making their day! So don't be afraid - speak up!
Tip 9 - Pay for the person behind you
I love when this little "pay it forward" act continues on for hours. Yes, everyone ends up paying for something, but the act in and of itself is enough to brighten anyone's day!
Tip 10 - Support local causes
There's nothing more you can do for this world than start serving at home (literally within your families and also within your communities). Find a local cause that speaks to you, then donate time, money, or supplies to support it.
shirt - thrifted
bag - thrifted
shoes - thrifted c/o stylish treasures
jewelry - color by amber
pants - jcrew
Now get out there and start making some change, because goodness knows we could use it!
To add your voice to the Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company Donation:
Vote for your choice of causes from July 11th to July 31st at 11 p.m. CT. The cause that receive the most votes by the end of July will receive a $1 million donation from Jewelers Mutual. The runner-up will receive $700,000 and $300,000 will go to the third-place winner. And when you participate, you will be entered for a chance to win one of their amazing weekly prizes! Each week, one lucky winner will receive a set of 3 stacking bands ($450 retail value). Just be sure to vote daily to increase your chances of winning!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Image c/o Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company
