Reach out to family, friends, and community
Feeling connected to others is a great source of joy. When we reach out to others, and they to us, we experience love in our life. Our links to family, friends, and community are vital to our sense of belonging and well-being. They create a safe haven. They offer us the opportunity to give of ourselves, and to be ourselves. Tips for Staying Connected:
- Seek out a place in your neighborhood, like a restaurant or coffee shop, creating a spiritual home for all your friends to come together.
- Make that phone call or send a quick note and say "I miss you" or "thank you."
- Connect with someone who needs you. Volunteer
- Create celebrations
- Give a birthday party for a friend or plan your own
"We always need our family and our community ties to be strong.
They are both the world we live in and our refuge from the world."
You may have your own charity, but for those of you who might not know where to start, here are a few wonderful organizations I have enjoyed being involved with.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
www.bcrfcure.org
866-FIND-A-CURE
Founded by Evelyn Lauder in 1993, this is the first and largest national organization dedicated solely to funding clinical and genetic research on breast cancer.
Look Good… Feel Better
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org
800-395-LOOK
A program that offers a makeover for the spirit, Look Good… Feel Better teaches cancer patients techniques to counter the appearance-related effects of cancer treatment.
The Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis
www.erasems.org
310-440-4842
Dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of multiple sclerosis. Their annual Race to Erase MS gala benefit has raised over $14 million to date for MS research.
Safe Horizon
www.safehorizon.org
212-577-7700
Known for its work in domestic violence and child abuse, Safe Horizon is the nation's leading victims' assistance, advocacy, and violence protection organization.
USA Weekend Magazine Make-A-Difference Day
www.usaweekend.com/diffday
800-416-3824
This national day of helping others takes place on the fourth Saturday of October every year, and involves over 2 million volunteers helping to make a difference in communities.
