Pearce Virtual Solutions Blogs

“I Resolve to . . .”

Here we are, facing a brand-new year full of brand-new (or maybe not so brand-new) resolutions, determined, as always, to turn those resolutions into actions. Some of us will succeed while others will think, after a few months, “well, next year. . .”

For those of us who are determined to make things different in 2008, what are some of those resolutions we’re so determined to keep? Make more money? Be more successful? Lose weight? Join a gym? Change our eating habits? Help others?

Wait. . .what was that last one? Help others? What. . .?

Yes, folks, help others. Surely that isn’t a foreign concept for many. Yet, in this rat-race world, many of us complain that while we’d like to help others, there just isn’t time. That thought is just wrong, wrong, wrong. Did you know that, in addition to helping others by physically volunteering at a pre-determined time and place, that you can virtually help others by logging onto your computer? You can become a virtual volunteer by checking out ServiceLeader.org. As a virtual assistant, I took to volunteering virtually like the proverbial duck to water.

Many of us volunteer because we have pet projects that we want to see succeed. We believe we’re put on this earth to help make a difference. Those are terrific reasons to get out and get things done. This world and its inhabitants need all the help that can be given. Yet, with so many people working at full-time jobs, and at such a hectic daily pace, volunteering is sometimes the last thing people think of doing when they have a free moment or a few hours of time to fill.

But, volunteering should be high on everyone’s list of things to do. Why? It seems that volunteering is linked to better health. In an excerpt from an article by the Corporation for National and Community Service, “volunteering can improve longevity, lower depression rates and reduce the rate of heart disease.” WOW! Did you ever think that doing something for nothing could have such desirable benefits? For those of us who volunteer on a regular basis, whether on-site or virtually, this is a valuable perk. And for those of you who have been thinking of volunteering, but just haven’t done anything about it yet, this is the impetus you need to get up and get started. Just think – you’ll make a difference for someone or something, AND you’ll be healthier, both in mind and body, for taking the time to make a difference.

There’s no shortage of places to volunteer, or groups to help. What’s your interest? Start there and then Google to see the volunteer possibilities available. For instance, if you go to Google and type ‘volunteer for the homeless,” Google will find 556,000 possibilities!

The old excuse of, “I’m too busy – I just don’t have time to volunteer” won’t wash in this day and age. The time is always there – you may just have to learn to budget it better.

So, while the year is still young and fresh, resolve to make a difference in some way today. You’ll get so much benefit from volunteering, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to start. You’ll feel good because you’re making a difference, and you’ll be healthier, too. It’s a win-win situation for EVERYONE!

Pearce Virtual Solutions * P.O. Box 1436, Muscatine, IA 52761 * (563) 321-8675