Tag Archives: volunteer

Jan20

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With These Tips

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Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone With These Tips

If you want to live your best life, then getting out of your comfort zone from time to time is a must. Not only does it expose you to new experiences, but it helps you to see that you are capable of much more than you think. Here are five ways to get out of your comfort zone right now:

Travel to a new place:

One of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone in life is to travel to a new place. It could be a different city, state, or even country. Being in a new environment with different cultures, customs, and languages will force you to adapt and step out of your comfort zone. It will also give you a fresh perspective and help you appreciate the things you take for granted in your normal setting.

Try a new hobby:

Another way to get out of your comfort zone is to try a new hobby. It could be something as simple as taking a dance class or as adventurous as skydiving. Trying new things will help you learn new skills, meet new people, and push yourself to do things you never thought you would.

Volunteer:

Volunteering will allow you to get out of your comfort zone and help others at the same time. It can be anything from helping out at a local soup kitchen to working on a community service project. Volunteering will expose you to new people and new environments, and it will give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Take a public speaking class:

Public speaking is a common fear for many people, but taking a class can help you overcome it. Public speaking classes will teach you how to present yourself confidently and communicate effectively. It will also give you the opportunity to practice speaking in front of a group, which will help you build confidence. It could also be useful in helping you to get a new job whether you want to be a PR manager, apply for diesel technician jobs, or become a teacher, so it is one form of getting out of your comfort zone that could really change your life if you let it.

Start a conversation with a stranger:

Starting a conversation with a stranger can be daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. It will help you practice social skills and make new connections. By initiating conversations with strangers, you will also gain a new perspective and learn about different people and cultures.

Getting out of your comfort zone can be challenging but it is also necessary for growth and self-improvement. Remember to always be open to new experiences and opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take risks!

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Feb16

Landing Your Dream Job

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Landing Your Dream Job

Unfortunately, many people never land their dream job, not because they are not capable of doing so but because they don’t think they can, so they don’t even try. If you want to be one of the ones who does end up doing a job you love for the rest of your life, here are some tips to help you achieve it:

Get the right qualifications:

Yes, there are tales of people who have been able to get their dream job with not even a high school diploma to help them along the way and, incidentally, if you’ve long since lost your high school diploma, Valid Grad can help you out. If you want to land your dream job, it is a good idea to work out what qualifications those in charge are looking for, and do your best to attain them too. Whether this is a certification, degree, or training courses any extra know how helps.

Gain experience:

If you want to land your dream job, you are going to have to work for it and that means getting relevant experience that you can put on your resume. For example, if you want to be a zookeeper, you could start by volunteering in a local animal shelter. This will be valuable experience and show employers that you have a caring nature and a love of animals, which will help to seal the deal. That’s just one example, of course, and what you need to do to prove yourself may be quite different, but you get the idea.

Become a presence online:

In 2022, one thing you can do to really set yourself apart from the competition and stand out in the best possible way is to establish a strong online presence in your chosen sector. If you want to be a film director, you could start by producing video shorts for YouTube or if you want to be a high end personal shopper, you could start your own fashion blog. People will see your stuff, make connections, and you will find that more opportunities will come your way.

Network:

On that note, it is fair to say that networking can do a lot of the hard work of landing your dream job. If you attend trade events, talks, and shows based on your dream sector or where people who work in your dream sector are likely to hang out, you can mingle with all the right people. When it comes to an opportunity, sometimes it really is about who you know so always put your best face forward.

Getting a dream job takes time and lots of hard work but it will be so worth it once you’re punching the clock at a job you love!

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Feb14

Habits For A Happier & Healthier Life

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Habits For A Happier & Healthier Life

How you choose to live your life is ultimately up to you. While some things are out of your control, there is also a lot that is in your control such as what you do or don’t do each day. Your habits play an important role in your overall health and happiness. You must take notice of your behaviors and make sure that you’re taking good care of yourself if you want to feel your best.

These are some habits to add to your routine for a happy and healthier life that you should review and consider implementing:

Exercise & Be Active:

Exercise is good for your body but also your mind and stress levels. If you want to live a happier and healthier existence, then add exercise and being active to your list of habits. You’ll soon notice that you feel less overwhelmed and anxious and that it boosts your mood and self esteem. Do what you have time for and are comfortable with but also try to challenge yourself physically at times. Some ways to begin are to join a gym, go for walks outside, or sign up for a yoga class.

Make Time for Hobbies & Relaxation:

All work and no play will leave you feeling exhausted and you may miss out on the fun parts of life. There are so many ways to relax and unwind including taking your dog for a hike, learning photography, or getting on the computer and participating in some online betting. Remind yourself that you work hard and deserve this time to rest and regroup after a long day or week at your job. You’ll not only feel refreshed and better for doing so but may also learn a few new skills along the way.

Eat Nutritious Foods:

Think about how you want to feel when you’re done eating and choose foods and snacks that give you energy and reduce anxiety. Foods not only impact your physical health but also your mental well being. Be proactive about choosing to eat more complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and fruits and vegetables and keep the highly processed and deep fried foods to a minimum.

Smile More:

Your brain releases dopamine when you smile and this will make you feel happy. Crack a smile when you’re feeling down and notice how it instantly picks you up and makes you feel good. You may also want to give yourself a smile in the mirror in the morning before diving into the day ahead. It can help set the right tone for tackling your to do list.

Get Organized:

There are many ways to get organized such as at work, with your finances, and your house. Declutter and get rid of what you no longer need or what no longer serves you. Make space in your life for what truly matters and helps you succeed and live a rewarding life. It’s especially important to do if you feel like the clutter is getting out of control and beginning to negatively impact your mood and how you live.

Meditate & Breathe Deeply:

When you meditate, you can bring down your stress levels and blood pressure, find more emotional balance, and reduce chronic pain and anxiety. Your memory and concentration will improve and you may also feel more creative. It can help you gain a new perspective on stressful situations or problems in your life and allow you to successfully navigate a challenging circumstance. In addition to meditating regularly, you should also consider doing some deep breathing exercises throughout the day. It’s an excellent way to calm your mind and body in the moment.

Get Outside:

Explore and get into nature and take notice of how much better you feel and happier you are overall. It’s a chance to disconnect from technology and your responsibilities and simply be. You’ll not only have an opportunity to slow racing thoughts and clear your mind but spending time in green spaces can also lower blood pressure.

Spend Time with Loved Ones & Friends:

Think about who you miss or haven’t seen in a while and reach out and set up a time to get together or chat on the phone. Although it may be hard to meet new friends as an adult, there are ways to do so. You must be willing to put yourself out there and make an effort in this area of your life. Consider taking a class, volunteering your time, or finding social groups to join in your area. It’s not about how many friends you have but that the relationships and bonds you do have are rewarding and meaningful.

Get More Sleep:

If you’re discovering that you are tired or need naps during the day, then your body might be telling you that you need more rest. Track your sleep and pay attention to how many hours you get so you can make changes if you’re not getting enough. Try to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day to get into a routine and limit naps you do take to twenty minutes.

Visit the Doctor:

Visit your doctor and dentist routinely to stay in good health. You must take good care of yourself and address any health issues or ailments right away. Come prepared to ask questions and follow any treatment plans that are suggested for you. You should see your providers even when you’re not sick for routine checkups and peace of mind.

Help Others:

Try adding volunteering and compassion to your routine. There are likely many opportunities to do so right in your neighborhood and community. You’ll not only benefit from volunteering but you might also make some new friends or meet new people in the process. It might also inspire you to want to practice gratitude for what you do have in your life, which can also boost your happiness and health.

Begin sprinkling these habits into your routine and you’ll not only be happier and healthier but may find you reach your goals at a quicker rate and can build the life you always wanted. While it’s important to focus and work hard at improving yourself, you should also take breaks and rest when you need it to stay well.

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Jan7

Three Simple Steps To A Happier 2019

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Three Simple Steps To A Happier 2019

Want to be happier, more positive and upbeat this year? Of course you do! Even if you don’t see yourself as a naturally chipper individual there’s plenty that you can do to improve your mood and start enjoying life more. Here are three steps you can take towards a happier 2019:

Exercise:

When you think about happiness, for most of us, exercise isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. It’s hard work and it can be a bit of a chore, however, it’s incredibly good for your mental as well as physical health. Exercise regulates hormones, can help you to sleep better and, despite it being tiring, it actually gives you more energy. If you’re in a bit of a slump and feel like you have no ‘get up and go’, sign up for the gym and give it a try. If you’re not one for the gym, long hikes with your dog, swimming, cycling, or whatever else gets you moving can be just as good!

Learn:

When we leave formal education and get a job, most of us stop making an effort to learn new things. But it shouldn’t be the case, regardless of what you’re interested in. There’s so much information out there that you don’t yet know! You could research a topic yourself using articles, online libraries, podcasts, and more. You could attend a course, the subject doesn’t necessarily have to be academic – it could be art, baking, or another kind of craft.

Another option would be to take on some official education, whether it’s an online degree or paralegal studies to further your existing law qualifications, this kind of study can help you to progress in your career. Learning new things gives us satisfaction, something to work on, and it feels good when we reach our goals. Feel like you’re stagnating? Choose a topic and hit the books, whether it’s just for yourself or for your career.

Give:

You might feel as though you don’t have much to give. For example, you might feel like unless you have lots of money to give that there’s not much you can do to help a charity. But it’s simply not the case. You could hold a fundraiser and get people to sponsor you or your workplace. You could volunteer your time, spending an hour a week at a soup kitchen, a women’s hostel, or an animal shelter. Even a couple of dollars a month helps these kinds of organizations.

Giving back in some way to a cause that does good benefits both you and them. It helps them to continue on in their work and it makes you feel good, too. It’s nice knowing that you’ve been able to help and that your time and efforts have been appreciated. See if there are any charities or schemes locally that are in need of help, most are usually desperate for volunteers and donations as they don’t receive any kind of government funding.

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Nov30

Get More Involved In Your Local Community

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Get More Involved In Your Local Community

Whether you have recently moved into a new area or you are just keen to try and improve your current sociability, you will find that it is a great idea to try and get more involved in your local community whenever possible. Getting more involved is often merely a matter of doing more and getting out there as a way to have some fun, do good, and meet new friends. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the activities in particular you might want to consider if you are going to try and get more involved in your local community. Consider some of the following and you’ll be surprised at the difference that it makes:

Play Sports:

Playing sports is an activity that is offered in almost every community. The sport that you choose to play is up to you, but it might prove especially expedient if you go for one that is strongly team-focused, so that you can meet many more people. You will find that sports such as softball and baseball and so on are especially good for this. If there are no such groups out there, grab some softball lineup cards, find a place to play, and start one!

Take An Evening Class:

If there is some skill or ability that you have always wanted to have, you might want to consider taking some kind of evening class, instead. You are bound to be able to find some in your local area, and hopefully a few that spike your personal interest. The benefit of this, is that if you go and learn about something that interests you, you are bound to meet a number of like-minded people and, in doing so, you will find that you will soon become a real part of the community. This is one of the surest and swiftest ways to build up a strong network of friends, so it’s definitely worth considering. Take an evening class at your local university or college, and you will be able to get much more involved in your community in no time.

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Always invite your new friends to coffee!

Volunteer:

One of the more wholesome ways to get more involved in your local community is to volunteer somewhere. If you look around, you are sure to find opportunities for this, as there always are. Soup kitchens, church programs, the Special Olympics, and animal shelters are all great places to start. Doing good feels good and you will meet plenty of new people (Or pets!) as a result.

Getting involved in your community is a fun way to fill up your free time and, with the new friends that you make, you will be the talk of the town in no time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Nov19

Special Olympics 2017 Banquet

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Special Olympics 2017 Banquet

Hi everyone! This past week, the Special Olympics hosted their yearly banquet to celebrate the athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families that dedicate themselves to such an incredible organization. I have been coaching Special Olympics figure skating for three years now and every practice, competition, and event is such a joy to be a part of. This year, I was honored as the Volunteer Of The Year for my involvement as a coach. It was such an amazing surprise and I have my award displayed proudly already! Check it out:

awardd

^^^ Isn’t that cute?!

I know that I used this word already, but “honored” really describes how I feel about receiving this award. Out of all of the incredible coaches that volunteer their time to the cause, yours truly was chosen, and that is such an indescribable feeling. I am so proud to have been celebrated by my beloved athletes and their families, and I am looking forward to working with my skaters to be the best that they can be, on and off the ice, at our next lesson. ❤

What is something that you are proud of? Which organizations do you volunteer for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: CBS DFW

Oct2

Translating Your Love For Animals Into Action

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Translating Your Love For Animals Into Action

Mark Twain famously said: “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog”. While this might be a little harsh as a statement, there are a lot of people who could agree with Twain’s words. In fact, there are plenty of famous people who share Twain’s opinion from Marilyn Monroe, who found that only humans bit, to Elton John whose best man at his wedding was his dog. While preferring dogs to humans might seem a little off, there are clear advantages in developing a bond with animals. They are reliable, they don’t judge you, they don’t have any hidden motive, and, more practically, they provide friendly company. As an animal lover, you can make the world a better place for our furry, feathery and scaly friends by doing some (Or all!) of the below:

Change an animal’s life:

Do you know how many pets are abandoned every day? Rescue centers are filled with found, lost, and lonely pets who need a little help to find a better life. Some of them have been through horrendous situations such as abusive owners. There’s no denying that adopting an animal from a rescue center can make all of the difference. Of course, this isn’t a path for the faint-hearted, as some pets will need a lot of patience and support to trust another human being, so do make sure that you are informed about their backstory. But don’t despair, the effort is worth it! More often than not, animals with the worst stories are the kindest. They are quick to recognize your intentions and show their gratitude. If you want to start with an easier case, you could adopt an old pet as they tend to be peaceful, easy to manage, and just as cute.

Share your opinions and be proud of them:

Sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is to make your opinions clear and known —  respectfully, of course! You can talk to your friends about your beliefs about animals, for example, and maybe encourage them to follow your model. You could opt for a more passive conversion by wearing message tees to promote animal rights and animal pride — discover more fashionable alternatives over here. Sometimes nothing makes a stronger impact than a tee that says how much you love your dachshund. It’s fun, playful, and weirdly unforgettable and that’s what matters!

Become a wildlife’s hero:

If you want to turn your love for animals into something meaningful, you can join some of the wildlife actions for the protection and safety of all animals. You don’t need to be a multi-millionaire to make a difference. Adopting a wild animal through the WWF can help to fund wildlife protection. If you’ve got time, you can volunteer with zoos or organizations to help clean beaches and rescue animals. Buying responsibly also means that you can support companies that don’t pollute the environment and endanger wildlife. So what’s stopping you?

Being an animal lover is not just about watching kitten videos on YouTube. It’s a matter of doing your share to help animals and promote the cause. By adopting a dog in your neighborhood or choosing to donate to save tigers in the wild, you turn your love into a valuable action.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep24

Lil Red Loves: Giving Back!

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Lil Red Loves: Giving Back!

Hello everyone and happy Sunday! If you have been following lifewithlilred for a while or even are just friends with me on Facebook, you will know that there are two particular causes that are very close to my heart. One being animal rescue organizations and the other being the Special Olympics. Canine Lifeline, the rescue group that I volunteer for, and the Special Olympics are both organizations that I have worked with for about three years. Both causes are incredibly dear to me and I am here to talk about why. Let’s discuss:

Canine Lifeline:

I have had many a post on my blog about my precious rescue pups, Gem and Ollie, both of whom came from Canine Lifeline. This rescue group brings dogs up from rural, all kill shelters and tries to find them a new furever home in Ohio. Not only that, but they work hard to cover the medical expenses for the pups that are heartworm positive or who suffered in abusive conditions in their previous owner’s “care”.

My mom, sister, and I try to do everything within our time budget to help out with the needs of this amazing organization. Whether it be walking the dogs, bathing them, washing the blankets in their cages, or giving them some play time, we try to lend a helping hand as often as possible. We also have fun trying our luck at their raffle fundraisers where you can win amazing gift baskets! If it wasn’t for CLL, Gem and Ollie wouldn’t be here to be such a treasured part of our lives. With that in mind, the least we can do is try to give back!

gem1ollie

^^^ Gem is in the first picture and Ollie is straight lounging in the second one. *Featuring Patrick Starfish*

Special Olympics:

This will be my third year of coaching Special Olympics figure skating and I am SO excited for practices to commence in October. I have been working with people who have special needs for roughly three years, as well, and I can’t imagine being in a better, more rewarding field. Compliments to about ten years of competitive figure skating, I have been able to use my somewhat forgotten skills to help my students grow as athletes and it brings me so much joy.

Coaching and motivating my athletes in whatever way that I can has led me to wonderful new friendships as well as a weekly workout – it’s really a win/win situation! I live for the practices, the actual Special Olympics games, and the celebration banquet when it is all over. Seeing my students enjoy themselves and succeed in an incredibly difficult sport is all the payoff that I need, and I plan on coaching every year until I physically can’t do it any more. Plus, Coach Sarah has an excellent ring to it!

team

^^^ Team picture!!! ❤

There is nothing better than volunteering your time, energy, and skills to an organization that is special to you. And, of course, monetary donations are also much appreciated, especially to both of my above causes, which are nonprofit.

And speaking of nonprofit organizations, if you are helping to plan a fundraising event for one of your causes, then the services at Eventbrite are a great place to start. Your raffle or dinner will be sure to be a hit with Eventbrite’s event planning, promotions, and social sharing tools to help your favorite cause reach new audiences and, of course, earn some money.

Lil Red Loves: Giving Back and I hope that this inspired you to help out with a cause that is meaningful to you! Which organization do you volunteer for? How do you give back? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Comal Habitat

Jun2

Education You Might Not Have Considered

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Education You Might Not Have Considered

It’s a competitive world out there and even if you’re more than qualified for the position that you’re interviewing for, you can lose out to someone equally qualified who has that little bit extra. No matter how old you are, it never hurts to learn new skills or earn new qualifications to boost your career. You don’t have to quit your job and go back to school full time to get a Masters. Nowadays, there is more than one way to develop desirable skills to revamp your resume:

Short Courses/Workshops: If you’re not too sure that you’re ready to get back into learning right away, you can test the waters by checking out short courses or one-day workshops. Short courses may cover any area from soft skills such as communication and leadership to industry-specific skills like accounting, web design, or photography – so you’re guaranteed to find something that will be useful for your career. If you’re not sure which courses might be useful for your current job, then you can still learn something by taking a short cooking course or signing up for a series of yoga classes to better understand the teachings.

Online Education: Some of the most prestigious universities in the world now offer college courses through the Internet to anyone who wants to take them. Additionally, you’re more likely to find a specialized qualification such as lean manufacturing courses online than you are through your local college class listings. Not only do online courses save you on the cost of commuting, but they give you far more options.

As we have learned from the pandemic, online schooling can be difficult. It might be the isolation, lack of motivation, or maybe your internet that freezes every hour. Difficult as it is, your education is important and you can learn more about bettering your experience through online searches and discussing with your friends and teachers.

Volunteer: Taking time out of your busy schedule to help others can boost your career for several reasons. First, volunteering gets you out of your comfort zone and teaches you how to communicate with empathy. Second, it gives you valuable experience in a field that you hope to enter, which will make it easier for you to gain experience or a full-time job in the future. Finally, it shows potential employers that you are willing to go beyond what is required of you and that you are passionate enough to go for what you want in your own time.

Enroll in Your Community College: You need a certain motivation to complete online courses or learn skills in your spare time. If you feel that you could do better in a more structured environment, you can take a course at your local college for a term or even go for a full degree if you are ready to commit to it. Any credits that you earn at the end will have real value when hunting for jobs or eventually pursuing your formal education even further.

Group Language Clubs: Knowing a second language is invaluable in any job, but some people might not do well learning by themselves with an app. You should try finding a club that meets in your area and practice with a real teacher and other hopeful learners. Even a basic understanding of another language is better than nothing!

Ready, get set, and learn yourself to the finish line of a better job or further in your education!

Featured Image By: Soft9000

Apr6

Have Fun & Impress College Admissions Officers

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Have Fun & Impress College Admissions Officers

The world of college admissions has never been more competitive, which means that if you want to get into the college of your choice, being academically successful alone isn’t enough. If you want to wow the admissions officers and secure your place, you need to dedicate yourself to other activities that show them that you’re an interesting, well-rounded, and dedicated person, whose presence at their college will make it a better place. The good news is, many of the extracurricular activities you can use to impress the college admissions officers are also a lot of fun. Here are some of the best ways that you can spruce up your college application when the time comes:

Volunteer: Volunteering shows that you are a caring person who is willing to go out of their way to help people and do something for the good of your community and the rest of the world. When you volunteer, you can also pick up a range of skills that will surely impress. Because there are so many volunteering needs from helping out at an animal shelter to teaching overseas, you will almost certainly be able to find an opportunity that you truly love and which is a joy to participate in.

Take a Class: Did you know that you can take online college classes? If you want to show the admissions officers that you’re serious about learning and you’re capable of succeeding in college, enrolling in a college class is a great way to do that. You’ll get credit towards your college degree and you’ll find out what it’s like to be in college. Some people even do their whole degree online, which leaves them free to travel, work, and fit in other commitments around their studies

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I did almost all of my college classes online!

Start Your Own Business: Setting up your own business and becoming an entrepreneur is a great way to show the admissions board that you have drive, creativity, and motivation. Even if you’re business just involves selling your creations on Etsy, it’s a great way to make an impact on your app.

Spend the Summer Overseas: Living overseas for a summer is a great way of getting out of your comfort zone and exploring new cultures. There are a number of programs available to young people, which combine overseas travel with volunteering, learning, and skill-building and they will almost always look impressive on your college application, painting you as a confident, cultured individual.

Try For An Internship: Internships, whether paid or unpaid, in your chosen field of study, will enable you to get hands-on experience in the industry which will give you a competitive edge against many other applicants. It’ll also give you the chance to find out if you really do want to work in a particular field when you graduate or explore other options while in school.

 college57

I loved my college internship 🙂

Whatever you choose to do, don’t waste your time doing things of little importance when you could be improving your prospects. Sure, take time out to have fun and chill out in front of Netflix, but do something worthwhile with your time, too, and the colleges will be fighting for you to join their campus!

Featured Image By: Flickr