Many are suffering this holiday season. Millions have lost their jobs and are struggling with the basics. They cannot even buy their children a winter coat or mittens, let alone a new toy. During this holiday season, consider how you might be of service to those in your community who are facing serious hardship, and make a commitment to give. You might give in the form of volunteering for a local non-profit, helping out at the local homeless shelter, bringing baked treats to people in a nursing home or hospital, shoveling an elderly neighbor’s drive when it snows. You might also want to connect with churches and synagogues that organize gift-giving to people who cannot afford presents for their kids.

When you take such action, you will likely discover an incredible side effect: joy. Perhaps more than anything else, giving to others brings us deep joy. At least that is what dozens of people I interviewed for Most Good, Least Harm told me. How nice that what is best for others is often best for us, too.

~ Zoe

Image courtesy of IndyDina and Mr. Wonderful.

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Repost from 12/16/08.

Filed under: MOGO (Most Good), community service, keys to MOGO | Tagged: books, community service, economic hardship, holidays, Joy, keys to MOGO, MOGO, Most Good Least Harm, principles, volunteering