by Liz Arrington s October winds down in Houston- the days start to feel a little more chilly, a little more cozy, and a lot more festive. It’s a time where many of us are able to reflect on the year behind us, and take stock of all we have and all we hope to gain.
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Recently I sat down to brainstorm ways that I can make an impact that works with my busy life instead of comparing myself to others around me. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of taking the small steps that open yourself up to the opportunities that are around you.
For many people, this is the season of giving. As we reflect on our lives with gratitude, we are often impressed with the desire to give back. Abundant Thanksgiving meals are a luxury while there are so many families in our community struggling to put food on the table all month long. All the gifts and extravagance of the Christmas season fill our spirits with joy, while so many go without. Gratitude has the incredible power to soften our hearts to the needs of others.
Here are some of small steps you can take:
Traditionally, there are a number of ways to give back during the winter holiday season. You’ll begin to see opportunities to serve and contribute to local nonprofits, food pantries, and assistance programs. Schools, churches and community centers usually host large food drives, gift drives, or sponsorship opportunities to help provide support for families in need. This spirit of giving is synonymous with the holidays, and Cypress really shines in the way that our city comes together with Texas-sized generosity. I’ll be the first to admit, when it comes to giving back, it’s not something I do nearly often enough. Or, it feels that way at the end of the year when I’m counting my blessings and realizing I could have given more. Like most busy parents juggling an overwhelming amount of tasks and responsibilities week after week all year long, the months absolutely fly by. I’m guilty of saying, “Life will settle down as soon as…..” over and over while life proceeds to never actually settle down. For most of us- just getting started is the most daunting aspect of giving back. Time and money seem to be the two things I never have enough of, so the idea of adding anything that is going to demand MORE of these two precious resources absolutely stops me in my tracks. 18 November | December 2022
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Find and follow causes and organizations that resonate with you on social media, or join their mailing list. These groups are very good at letting people know exactly what they need, and often it’s simple things that make a big difference. Talk to that one friend. You know the one. The one who is always posting about their latest project or cause? They can often point you in a good direction for starting out. Or, they’ll welcome you to join them! Think outside the box. Most local groups often rely on volunteers or have a very small staff. Do you have skills that could support their goals? Graphic Design, writing, social media posts, photography, web design, analytics, these are all high level skills that can overwhelm and slow down progress in the non-profit sector. Involve the whole family! Even young children enjoy giving back and caring for others. Whether it’s a monthly volunteer opportunity locally, a project you can work on together at home, or simply having discussions about helping others and causes that are important to your family.
Giving back in a way that is personal, meaningful, and specific can be so incredibly rewarding. There is room in your life for it, and with a little creative thinking you can absolutely find a way to incorporate ways to give back into your life all year long! Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com
