Serve others, serve yourself
You may know that Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, is Martin Luther King Day - always the third Monday in January since the federal legislation commemorating the human rights leader's birthday was signed in 1983. Did you know that at the same time, it was designated a national day of service? MLK Day is the only federal holiday dedicated to helping others. A day on, rather than a day off.
Why team the two? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. consistently encouraged everyone to live up to what he envisioned was the altruistic purpose and potential of America by applying principles of nonviolence and service to make this country a better place for all. The best among spiritual philosophies throughout human history consistently emphasize good works as the key to not only a better world, but a happier self.
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." - The 14th Dalai Lama
Compassion is a lifelong commitment continually renewed in thought and deed. The realities of modern living for most can make volunteering seem hard to fit in. Monday is a federal holiday, when many are off work, so the hope is that it will annually inspire us to recommit or help another person for at least one day.
Service needn't be formal; helping a neighbor counts. Simple things such as picking up a knocked over garbage can; shoveling the driveway of an elderly or disabled person, unasked; or calling Kootenai Humane Society and arranging to walk a couple of grateful, stir-crazy dogs one afternoon. Often the most satisfying acts of service are the humblest and unrecognized.
They can also come by accident. I once had a downstairs neighbor in her 70s who said the simple act of asking her what groceries she needed each time I planned my own trip made her life easier. Her needs were few and she always reimbursed immediately, so it was no strain for me but helped her tremendously. She just hated to "be a bother;" she needed to be asked. Thus a momentary afterthought on my part became a weekly opportunity to volunteer. I also made a good friend.
Many local charities could use your help. Libraries; senior centers and Meals on Wheels; CASA and North Idaho Violence Prevention Center (effects of abuse and sexual assault); hospices; veterans organizations; St. Vincent de Paul, Union Gospel Mission, food banks and church-organized soup kitchens (homelessness); Tesh (disabilities); the Sheriff's Auxiliary and Civil Air Patrol (rescue)... The list is long and there's something for every ability, availability, and skill level. If you need help finding opportunity, send me an email.
Studies previously reported in this column repeatedly confirm that volunteering is good for you. By that I don't mean altruistic intent, but physical health and personal happiness. People who volunteer regularly actually live longer, feel happier, have better outlooks, more satisfying friendships, and fewer health problems.
So to be healthy, practice compassion in honor of MLK's National Day of Service.
Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholehjo@hotmail.com.