Why Giving Back Matters
Helping others and giving back are not only great ways to have positive impact on other people’s lives, but there are benefits for you as well!
Self-care is as essential as food and water and requires intentional, focused action each day to ensure our physical, emotional and mental well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we create a strong foundation that allows us to focus on the needs of others.
As part of my self-care routine, I spend time with my horses.
Reduce Stress & Boost Happiness
Helping others can reduce stress, provide a sense of purpose, combat depression and boost your happiness. According to a study published in Social Science and Medicine, researchers at the London School of Economics found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were. Compared with people who never volunteered, the odds of being very happy rose by 16% in people who give back on a weekly basis.
Taking care of yourself is the most powerful way to begin to take care of others.
Bryant McGill
Teaching Our Kids
Children watch everything we do! By giving back and doing our best to make the world a better place, we show our kids firsthand how to make a difference. Through our actions, we teach them how it feels good to help people and animals. Added bonus: giving back as a family is a great way to create memories and further bond with our kids!
Kids learn compassion at an early age
Ways to Give Back
It can be overwhelming to think about helping others – so start small. Think about your interests and ways you are able to contribute. Maybe that is through contributing your time, skills, or financial resources. Once you decide what you’re able to contribute and which causes you’re interested in, find a charity in need and reach out to them.
1
Donate Your Time
When giving back, it doesn’t have to be a significant amount of time to be beneficial. In fact, research shows that only 2-3 hours per week can reap the most benefits to both you and your chosen cause.
2
Donate Your Talents
Put your talents and skills to work. Volunteering can be even more gratifying if you can leverage your talent to benefit the cause. Whether you have a technical knowledge (like finance or accounting) or are a creative person, charities can use your help!
3
Donate Money
Maybe you’re pressed for time but still want to make a difference. Financial contributions are a great way to make a difference and have a positive impact. After all, charities need money to do the work they do and every bit helps them achieve their missions.
Causes Close to My Heart
Life Time Fitness Foundation
I serve as a board member for Life Time Fitness Foundation whose mission is to help children live healthy, happy lives by helping schools to eliminate highly processed, unhealthy ingredients from their lunch menus and replace them with wholesome, nutritious foods.
Love Kenya Foundation
I support and contribute to Love Kenya Foundation, a Minneapolis based charity focused on helping women and children who live in extreme poverty in Kenya. Their programs for kids provide food, shelter and education. Economic empowerment programs are in place to support women.
We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.
Native American Proverb
Other Things That Matter to Me
Organic, Fairtrade
As much as possible, I believe in being an ethical shopper which means buying organic, fair trade goods to support responsible companies, empower farmers and protect the environment.
Sustainability Advocate
I’m a sustainability advocate. I care about conserving our resources, reducing our harm on the environment, and maintaining long-term ecological balance.