How to Make a Difference in Someone’s Life in 2013
Becky Kospanova
With the start of New Year, many people make resolutions to improve their lives. Often, people want to enrich their personal lives, grow professionally, improve their appearances, or pick up some hobby. However, one of the most rewarding things a person can do to vastly enhance the quality of his or her life is to make a positive difference in someone else’s life. There is nothing quite as fulfilling and gratifying as a realization that, by sharing some of your time and talent, you have impacted someone else in a positive manner. Not only you would help some other person but, by being involved in someone else’s life, you might learn something new, make new friends, and broaden your horizons.
What are the best ways to make a positive difference in someone’s life? Of course, it all depends on your personal interests and abilities, but even the smallest gesture can brighten someone’s day. A kind word or a smile go a long way, but with a little effort you can make an even a bigger impact. There are several venues worth researching if you decide to make a positive change in someone’s life in 2013.
1.Do not be afraid to make small gestures. Even if you do not have enough time or opportunities to volunteer, you can still make a difference in someone’s life by making small things such as helping your elderly neighbor with her groceries, offering to babysit your friend’s children, and providing a listening ear to your friend without passing any judgment. Just few encouraging words or a small act of kindness might be all that a person needs at the moment.
2.Start with your family. The easiest way to make a positive change often starts with your family. Frequently, people take their families for granted and do not pay sufficient attention to those closest to them. Make a resolution to have a real conversation with your spouse and kids, explore various family activities available in your area, and be kinder – your family life will improve tremendously!
3.Explore volunteer opportunities in your area. Usually, there are many volunteer opportunities in every town in the USA, and it is even easier to find something which interests you by doing some research on-line. Such sites as www.volunteerguide.org or www.smartvolunteer.orgprovide plenty of information and can match you with volunteer opportunities, depending on your skills, interests, and time you can afford. Consider what issues are important to you such as environment, civil rights, animal welfare, community development, children’s issues, overcoming poverty and such and make a decision to get involved.
4.Become a mentor. Many children do not have an advantage of having a mentor figure in their lives, and you can make a real difference in a young person’s life by sharing your life experiences and skills. You can get involved in such organizations as “Boys and Girls Clubs of America,” become a coach, or offer some lessons in your local community center (for example, you are good with computers, arts and crafts, or can teach chess). It is especially pertinent nowadays when, due to economic circumstances, many community organizations do not have sufficient funds to finance such lessons.
5.Volunteer at a local long-term care facility. Many people who are ill or incapacitated are often abandoned by their families. You can greatly improve their lives by spending some time with them. You can read to them, have a conversation, take them for a walk – just a little of your time and attention might take their minds off their circumstances and you will make a new friend!
Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Every person can positively impact someone’s life by sharing his or her time and talents and the world will become a better place to live!
