It seems the ongoing recession is making everyone cranky. Entertainment and material purchases have been curtailed. Stress over financial issues is building in many homes. People are feeling claustrophobic as their world shrinks. My remedy? I get outside myself. Nothing lifts my spirits more than the opportunity to help someone else. And right now, more people need help than have for many years. There are endless opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

It seems the ongoing recession is making everyone cranky. Entertainment and material purchases have been curtailed. Stress over financial issues is building in many homes. People are feeling claustrophobic as their world shrinks. My remedy? I get outside myself. Nothing lifts my spirits more than the opportunity to help someone else. And right now, more people need help than have for many years. There are endless opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

A life given for others is a life gained. Every time I meet someone new my door to the world opens just a little wider. I have dear friends today who I didn’t know a couple of years ago...friends I met while giving of my time and resources. Each has brought a new world and a new energy into my life. My world is bigger than ever before.

I recently added an interview question. “What do you do outside of work and home? To what organizations do you belong?” The answers have been disappointing to say the least. Most have no outside activities or interests. Nearly none are involved anywhere. Though these folks are unemployed and have time to spare, they’ve turned inwards instead of outwards. Their focus is on themselves alone with no insight as to how they could be of help to others around them. Might be one reason they are still unemployed.

My cure for troubles, for problems, for stress? Try doing something for someone you don’t know. Volunteer for something. Give time to the needy. You’ll find that regardless of your personal situation, you’re stronger and happier for it. Ask nothing but to be allowed to serve. Time and again I realize that I get more than I’ve given. There are well over a million good organizations in the U.S. who are in need of volunteers. Pick one. Get involved. You’ll find a great big world outside yourself.