Living Large Summer of Fun Scavenger Hunt Week #5: Find Joy in Doing Something for Others

Week #5 of the Living Large Summer of Fun Scavenger Hunt has us looking for a type of prize that will not only bring us some joy, but others as well. Les Brown, a motivational speaker is often quoted as saying, “Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.”

When we lived in Kansas City and I volunteered for the first time with “Stand Down,” an initiative that provides homeless veterans with essential goods and services, I knew it was something I was passionate about and I knew it would make me feel good.

However, I really didn’t anticipate the depth of the joy I felt handing out boots and t-shirts to men and women who’d given so much to our country and me. It’s the same feeling I get when I’m able to foster or get a dog into rescue and the same feeling I get when I hold open a door for an elderly person.

So, this week, invite some true joy into your life by helping someone else. It doesn’t have to be a monetary donation, or even something that requires a lot of time. Last week, in our Starbucks, I met a very well read and spoken young man and we had a very inspiring conversation about one of our favorite authors, Stephen King. He told me he was an aspiring author. I plan on going back into the store in the coming week and giving him my card and offering any editorial assistance I might be able to provide. My writing community in Kansas City was very generous with me when I was starting out and I’d like to pay it forward.

Here are some ideas for you to do a kind gesture this week that will bring smiles all around:

• Hold the door for someone
• Offer a smile or a cheerful “Have a wonderful day” to a clerk or someone you encounter that may look like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders.
• We see a lot of veterans here with caps on proclaiming their status. Smile and thank them for their service.
• Check on your neighbors in this heat, particularly the elderly. Make sure they have everything they need.
• Volunteer at a shelter, hospital or hospice house.
• Donate in a loved one’s memory

Those are just a few ideas of how you can spread some joy. As always, post about what you’ve done here or on the Living Large Facebook page before 6 p.m. CT on Thursday, July 27 and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize. I will announce a new winner next week!

What will you do this week for someone?