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How Moms Can Change the World
It was the strangest time to have the blues. I was preparing to
graduate summa cum laude from a prestigious university. Once a week, a
favorite professor would meet me in the hallway outside my classroom
with a clipboard of ideas for the things I could do and achieve in my
life. But the more success I achieved, the less I cared, and it took me
a while to realize why: Everything I did was all about me.
My depression amplified my self-centeredness. I worried incessantly
about when I was going to feel better. How was I going to make myself
feel right again?
Then, for reasons I really can't explain, I started visiting a bunch of
ladies in a nursing home. I read Edgar Allen Poe to Dorothy and USA
Today to Beth. Edie loved me to do her fingernails in sunset red, and
Pauline just wanted me to listen to her talk about her
great-grandchildren who lived far, far away. As I sat listening to their
stories, painting their fingernails, and playing some very long checkers
games, I began to see myself through their eyes. To these women, I was a
person with value just because I was sitting there. As demanding as my
days were in those final months of college, the only thing that really
mattered to anyone was that I showed up at the Candlelight Lodge at 3
pm. And so I did.
Now that I'm a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom, I sometimes feel - perhaps
like many of you - that I don't have anything left to give at the end of
the day. But people who live their life in service to others just seem
to have that extra "oomph" of energy when they need it, as though their
work is so important that their spirit won't allow them to tire so soon.
They have the energy they need to be the people they need to be.
Who better to change the world than a mother, with her instinctive
capacity for compassion, empathy, and unconditional love? Here are a few
ways - large and small - that we moms can make a difference in our
world.
Focus on Motherhood
No one knows about living a life of service quite like a mother. We know
that the best way to nurture ourselves is to nurture other people. Each
day, we dedicate ourselves to enhancing the future generation. It is not
only our legacy but our responsibility.
When you frame each chore as something you do out of love for your
family, suddenly even plunging your hands in soapy dishwater, slicing
the carrots for tonight's stew, and changing the baby's diaper take on
new meaning. Let us remind one another that, each day, we all make a
contribution by performing at our personal best.
Get Informed
Use the Internet to research the issues you are interested in. Virtually
every cause has a host of websites, information, and specific calls to
action published online.
Visit
http://www.makeadifferenceday.com to find projects you can
participate in locally, and spend a few moments with the Project Idea
Generator, which will give you ideas and examples of past projects that
match your specific skills and style of giving.
Volunteer
If you're prone to the holiday blues, helping someone in need is an
effective way to ward off depression. In fact,
RealAge.com reports that people who
volunteer show improvement in areas such as "life satisfaction,
well-being, and overall health." That's because, RealAge.com speculates,
volunteers also experience more meaningfulness and social interaction in
their lives.
With the isolation many stay-at-home moms experience from time to time,
this social interaction component is not to be overlooked. You can meet
people your own age by volunteering, or get a group of friends united in
a cause and spend a guilt-free afternoon away from the house.
During the holiday season, opportunities abound. Just look in your local
paper. On the Internet,
Volunteermatch can set you up with an opportunity or idea with
your specific skills in mind.
Voice Your Opinions
Be politically pro-active by writing to your congressperson and staying
up-to-date on the issues that matter to you. Log on to
http://www.house.gov or
http://www.senate.gov for
representative names, contact information, and bill numbers.
Share
We women tend to divide our donations among a number of causes. This
year, consider giving to one or two causes that mean a lot to you, or
combine your contributions with those of your friends so you can make a
real difference. You can also start your own fundraising drive, or give
holiday gifts by donating in your friend or relative's name. For ideas
and more tips on effective giving, visit the
Women's Philanthropy
Institute.
When we share the wealth, we model a sense of selflessness to our
children. Encourage them to follow-through by asking that they give away
toys they no longer use, set aside a portion of their allowance for
needy children, or share their time by visiting a retirement center or
convalescent home along with you.
Mentor
Confident parents make wonderful mentors.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters is
a national program that pairs children from single-parent homes with
adult mentors. Similar programs may exist specific to your area, as
well.
Mentoring children doesn't have to mean joining an organized effort.
Perhaps you know a child who just needs a little extra time and
attention. And, if you're a stay-at-home mom, you can simply make sure
your home is the kids' hangout. Then get to know their friends on a
personal level.
Make a personal contribution
Everyone has a special skill that can make a difference in the world.
What's yours? Be enterprising. Brainstorm ways you can help others. If
you can teach, volunteer to share your knowledge at your local free
university or at one of the many online education portals. If you can
write, pen persuasive letters to the editor or tutor a child in the
skill. Do you know anyone who doesn't have a place to go for the
holidays? Take them in this year.
Look around you. What do people in your community need? If you're ready
to make a big commitment, the world needs foster parents, adoptive
parents, and people willing to speak out on behalf of mothers and
children.
The world needs a mother's caring, compassion, and strength. Let us show
the world what a difference we can make.
Join Momscape today! It's easy and free.
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