Living in Gratitude and Being of Service

This past week, I decided to increase the time I spend volunteering. Over my years on this planet, and most recently this past decade, I have found that I’m truly happiest in life when I spend my extra time being of service and helping others. Whether it’s letting my friends know I’m here for them, saying a kind word to a stranger, driving the visitor van on weekends for our local addiction and recovery center, or making sandwiches to hand out to the homeless in San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day, I have found many different and meaningful ways to be of service.

For me, it’s my time and kindness that is easiest to share. I  may not have money to give, which is fine. Many of the groups I pitch in to help don’t need money, they need people who care. Well, maybe they need money too. The point is, you don’t have to be rich to make a huge contribution. All of us have something to give.

I’m very fortunate to have my health and wellbeing. I also live in an area that is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. I am surrounded in abundance. I truly am lucky and feel blessed to have my time and energy to give to others who need a hand.

Cully, the owner of our Office Evolution franchise also believes in being of service to others. He helped found Wednesday’s Gift. They’re a group that gets together to make care packages for the homeless and hands them out every Thanksgiving and Christmas morning on the streets of San Francisco. I love spending my time in the large room filled with volunteers, many who bring their children to help make a difference in someone else’s life. The bags are filled with sandwiches, bottled water, a cookie, chips, toothbrush, soap, warm socks, and other essentials. We also bring warm coats, sweaters, jackets, jeans, clothes all donated by people in our community. It’s easy, it’s real, it’s from the heart, and it brings something practical to those in need on a cold holiday morning. They also give gifts to Bay Area residents in need throughout the year. To learn more about this amazing group, please visit www.wednesdaysgift.org.

There are so many great ways for each of us to be of service. Think of your own community and what skills you have to offer. Getting connected is easy. Just look around. If you can’t find what excites you, Volunteer Match can help.

“Joy can only be real if people look upon their life as a service and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” – Leo Tolstoy

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others – Mahatma Gandhi

Happy Holidays from Sandra and Cully – Office Evolution Marin