The Good News "You are beautiful, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14
T he previous two months, we have encouraged you to think about what you stand for at work and with your family and relationship. This month you’ll be looking at where you stand when it comes to your community. “What you stand for” is personal and is based on your beliefs and core values. Standing up for what you believe not only improves your self-respect but garners greater respect from others (even from those who don’t always agree with you). That has powerful implications for your life! As humans, we all seek to achieve some level of significance, purpose, or recognition. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to get involved in your community. Your community provides many opportunities to live out your purpose and be part of something bigger than yourself. The key is to find activities that align with what is important to you — something you can stand for. What is important to you? Your faith? The environment? Animals? Hunger? Sports? Do you like working with organizations that support local or national charities? Do you prefer to work with political organizations, professional groups, or civic groups? Maybe you prefer serving the community informally. Are you the one who plows snow off your neighbor’s walks and driveways, helps a stranded motorist, cooks meals for those in need, or visits elderly neighbors so they are not lonely? Whether you serve through an official organization or fill in where life calls you, you are an invaluable part of building up your community. Grab a piece of paper (or your laptop) and write down the different ways you have helped others or served your community over the years. (This is not a brag list; it’s a self-discovery exercise, so be honest with yourself.) Make a note of what patterns or trends you see. Then star each activity that makes you feel fulfilled or gives you a sense of purpose. Then draw a line through the activities that wear you out. Does your involvement reflect what is important to you?
Have you learned new skills or gained knowledge and experience that is helpful in other areas of your life? Has your involvement changed over time? As you look over your efforts, is your community involvement aligned with the person you WANT to be? When your community involvement is in sync with your core values, you are living by what you stand for. These activities help
you feel fulfilled, valued, and at peace because you are being true to yourself. However, when you serve to impress others or merely to put something on a resume, you are probably missing out on these benefits. Instead, it could cause you stress, so consider changing how and where you serve to eliminate any internal conflict. This will make your community involvement much more enjoyable.
BRAIN BREAK
If you are not involved in your community, it’s not too late to start. Remember, your efforts do not have to be formal or require much of your time. You can assist a neighbor or friend in need. Even random acts of kindness can make a life-changing impact on the recipients. Choose something the helps you grow in self- love and confidence.
Isn’t it wonderful to serve your community in ways that reflect what is important to you? So, don’t sit back, stand up in your community and serve!
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