How to find the time to make a difference!

Several people have asked me how I find the time to volunteer in addition to everything else I do all week. Others have told me that they would like to help, but don't have the time. This post is a response to these type of questions.

In almost every job or career you can make a difference through your work. This also goes for stay at home moms and dads as well as homemakers. Being pleasant to those around you, doing quality work in a timely fashion, and "going the extra mile" when you can, are just a few ways to make a difference in this area of your life.

For me personally, it was just deciding that I needed to incorporate making my difference into my daily life and all that I do. It's part of my lifestyle now.

That means that in my business I practice integrity, act in the clients best interest, and add more value than what the customer pays for. At home, I do my best to create a nourishing environment, have a pleasant attitude, offer support and a listening ear, and be as thoughtful as possible. My husband does the same for me. He does things like scrape the snow off the car and warm it up for me, carry the heavier groceries in, and many more things that I am so thankful for!

Another thing that so far is helpful for me is to only volunteer for one committee or cause at a time. That way, the particular group I'm helping, gets my full attention. If I were to volunteer for several groups, I wouldn't be very effective. I'd feel overwhelmed and resentful.

When shopping for gifts I shop sites like the Greater Good Network Shops online when I can so I can help others at the same time and have a quality gift too.

Before Christmas every year, I carry dollar bills with me when going grocery and other shopping so that every Salvation Army kettle I pass I drop at least one in. I'm also tipping waiters and waitresses a little extra now.

You'll be able to think of things on your own as you go about your daily life too once you make a commitment to make it your way of life instead of just a planned only activity.

When you decide you are going to make a difference, many opportunities will appear. You may wonder why you never noticed them all before! Trust your instincts as to which ones feel right to you. Say no without guilt to any you have doubts about. I assure you that you will find the time to do the things in life that are important to you!