Katie, this is so on point. There are tons of ways to get involved via your local school, even if you don't have anyone attending any more. Most would love volunteers to read with the students or share other knowledge. The libraries are also a good place to become involved. Ours has things like Read for Life, and adult literacy program that has in the last couple of years become heavily used for immigrants who don't speak English. Keep up the good work!
Yes! I used to read to after-school students at our local elementary school when I was in high school and I loved it. These are all great suggestions, Karen!
I love this lesson so much. Your mom is so right. This reminds me of the episode of "Friends" where Joey tells Phoebe there's no such thing as a selfless good deed because said deeds leave us feeling good and it's SO true. I want to just comment saying that some of these good deeds don't even need to be done in super organized ways. You can make just an average person's day by paying for their order ahead of them if they're behind you in line for the drive-thru. (My mom loves to do this!) Or maybe you know some homeless people tend to be in one area of your neighborhood and you can bring over some sandwiches you made at home. The little good deeds like that can make someone else's day and remind them that the world — while very tough to live in so often — also is full of so much good.
For the past couple of years, I've been sponsoring a Vietnamese child's education. I've put her through high school, and this coming academic year I'm sending her to university. Education is a cause dear to me (as you might expect from someone who writes a newsletter aiming to make people "stop and think"). More than that, my entire high school and university education in the UK was paid for by a scholarship from Thai taxpayers' money. This is my small way of giving back! Also, on a smaller scale, I help my friends by being generous with my time and advice when I have something useful to offer. 🙂 Thank you for this newsletter Katie! Your words are always uplifting to read.
That was so wonderful, it was just what I needed to hear tonight as I sit in my house with most of my hurricane shutters up and waiting. My neighbor brought over some dinner for me and another friend helped with a couple things this morning. Meanwhile I was taking care of my 92 year old neighbors house and making sure she was all tucked in. It all works. Life is messy but it's like watching some odd synchronized movement sometimes. Thanks for this Katie. Big hugs.
Mika, I love this! When I was writing this, I thought how cool it would be if someone felt inspired to do something. You made my day! Thank you for showing love to those sweet babies.
I have been feeling the pull to participate in serving our community and wasn’t sure how, so thank you so so much for your suggestions! I’m so excited now. ☺️
A truly inspiring reflection on the importance of supporting others during tough times. Your words, “It feels immeasurably better to take action — to help in whatever way we can,” resonate deeply and encourage us to shift from helplessness to hope. A beautifully honest and uplifting essay that invites us all to find healing through helping.
Truly appreciated this today and it reminded me of lessons I learned long ago as well. Putting love into action is often just a small deed and that gets lost in the scrum of today’s huge issues. Here’s to living our communities, one load at a time 🧺💗
The way you give your time, even when you don't have much to give, is ever inspiring to me.
Right back at you. Love you, beeps.
Katie, this is so on point. There are tons of ways to get involved via your local school, even if you don't have anyone attending any more. Most would love volunteers to read with the students or share other knowledge. The libraries are also a good place to become involved. Ours has things like Read for Life, and adult literacy program that has in the last couple of years become heavily used for immigrants who don't speak English. Keep up the good work!
Yes! I used to read to after-school students at our local elementary school when I was in high school and I loved it. These are all great suggestions, Karen!
I love this lesson so much. Your mom is so right. This reminds me of the episode of "Friends" where Joey tells Phoebe there's no such thing as a selfless good deed because said deeds leave us feeling good and it's SO true. I want to just comment saying that some of these good deeds don't even need to be done in super organized ways. You can make just an average person's day by paying for their order ahead of them if they're behind you in line for the drive-thru. (My mom loves to do this!) Or maybe you know some homeless people tend to be in one area of your neighborhood and you can bring over some sandwiches you made at home. The little good deeds like that can make someone else's day and remind them that the world — while very tough to live in so often — also is full of so much good.
I love this reminder! Thank you, Allison!
For the past couple of years, I've been sponsoring a Vietnamese child's education. I've put her through high school, and this coming academic year I'm sending her to university. Education is a cause dear to me (as you might expect from someone who writes a newsletter aiming to make people "stop and think"). More than that, my entire high school and university education in the UK was paid for by a scholarship from Thai taxpayers' money. This is my small way of giving back! Also, on a smaller scale, I help my friends by being generous with my time and advice when I have something useful to offer. 🙂 Thank you for this newsletter Katie! Your words are always uplifting to read.
What wonderful ways to help! I love these examples, Val.
That was so wonderful, it was just what I needed to hear tonight as I sit in my house with most of my hurricane shutters up and waiting. My neighbor brought over some dinner for me and another friend helped with a couple things this morning. Meanwhile I was taking care of my 92 year old neighbors house and making sure she was all tucked in. It all works. Life is messy but it's like watching some odd synchronized movement sometimes. Thanks for this Katie. Big hugs.
I’m so glad it brought some comfort, Lori. Please stay safe! I’m thinking of you and all of my Florida friends ❤️❤️❤️
I just signed up to volunteer to be a baby cuddler at the NICU unit. It’s always been on my heart and finally I did it!
Mika, I love this! When I was writing this, I thought how cool it would be if someone felt inspired to do something. You made my day! Thank you for showing love to those sweet babies.
I have been feeling the pull to participate in serving our community and wasn’t sure how, so thank you so so much for your suggestions! I’m so excited now. ☺️
Beautifully said and inspiring!
Thanks, Glenn!
A truly inspiring reflection on the importance of supporting others during tough times. Your words, “It feels immeasurably better to take action — to help in whatever way we can,” resonate deeply and encourage us to shift from helplessness to hope. A beautifully honest and uplifting essay that invites us all to find healing through helping.
Thank you, Jon!
Truly appreciated this today and it reminded me of lessons I learned long ago as well. Putting love into action is often just a small deed and that gets lost in the scrum of today’s huge issues. Here’s to living our communities, one load at a time 🧺💗
Thank you, Bert. And thank you for your donation to the Laundry Project! 🧺 ❤️