Volunteer Voices

New Year’s resolutions – you either love them because they’re a starting point to do something you’ve been putting off, or you hate them because you can never follow through. Every year I try to embrace something, hoping this will be the time I actually stick it out and accomplish my goals.
This year I vowed to actually get up when my alarm went off. Four hits of the “snooze” button on the very first day put my resolution into the pile of resolutions never fulfilled. Really? Not even one day? I’m hopeless.
But, as I’m a believer in second chances, I’m taking on a new resolution to focus on one thing that can make a difference each month in 2014. Now, I realize that most of these things I already try to do in some capacity, but by focusing on them, I might actually see the results of my actions. Want to join me?
January: Compliment people. I recently was in the grocery store and a stranger walked up to me and said how pretty I looked. I can’t tell you how nice that was to hear and how the unexpected compliment changed the outlook on my day.
February: Be nice. Hold the door, let someone go ahead of you in line, or make an effort to use those manners that your mother taught you. You’d be surprised how those little “random acts of kindness” can make a big impact.
March: Listen. I’m the first to admit that I talk more than I listen. I’ve always been a talker, getting my first set of “sentences” to write in second grade. “I will not talk in class. I will not talk in class.” One hundred times none the less! We all want to be heard, and maybe the best way to do that is by listening to those around us.
April: Use your voice. The passion that comes through when you are committed to something can be contagious. Voting matters. Being active in our community matters. Whatever it is that you believe in, take ownership of that and do something with it.
May: Show compassion. With everyone running around as if there’s no tomorrow, it’s easy for people to be rude and lose their tempers. What I fail to remember is that frequently, people are dealing with situations that are trying and exhausting. Aging parents, working two jobs, financial stresses – everyone is dealing with something. Take a breath and smile.
June: Be helpful. Spring marks the influx of tourists to Door County. If you see someone trying to find something, offer directions, even if you’re in a rush. If someone’s looking for a great place to eat or shop, offer suggestions. We’re all ambassadors of this beautiful place; be the smiling face adding to its beauty.
As we all learned in physics, energy never dies, it transfers. I’m going to think about that each month as I attempt to make these small changes in my life. Hopefully the good that comes from them will transfer to those I come in contact with and will generate a cycle of ongoing kindheartedness. And unlike my beloved snooze button, I’m not going to wait to get started!

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Check out the Volunteer Center website at volunteerdoorcounty.com or contact them at 920.746.7704 or [email protected].