Eva Bennett Newsletter |
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2011
Welcome to my February Newsletter - 'Service to Others.'
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 What a challenging start to 2011 this has been! We have been reminded of the power of nature & how little power we have to stop nature's ways, despite all our modern technology. The massive floods in Qld & also in parts of Victoria, have tested the human spirit & will continue for months to come. Something positive that has come out of the flood crisis, is the wonderful community spirit by the many people who are helping the flood victims in a myriad of ways- service to help others. And what has come through from those affected by the floods, is what matters most - the people in their lives, more than their belongings.
It has made me stop & think about what is more important - striving to have a big house fitted out with all the latest 'stuff' OR living a simpler, uncluttered life & having more quality time with family, friends & being more involved in community activities.
Research has shown that to keep good health, besides keeping fit & eating well, we need to maintain regular direct social contact with others. Concerns have been expressed that spending more time on social networks like Facebook, rather than face-to-face, is leading to weakened social skills.
Being of service to others can be very rewarding on a number of levels:- feeling useful, helping others, making a difference, belonging to your community, meeting new people & developing new friendships, networking.
35yrs ago, before we had computers & internet, my husband joined a service club called Apex and for 13yrs it was a wonderful way for us to meet new people & become part of the community more easily, when moving to a new area. These days he is a member of Lions & I am a member of Rotary - still a great way to meet people, get involved in service projects & enjoy social activities.
Service to others has a number of benefits as I mentioned earlier. Check out service clubs & volunteer groups in your local community that you could join. Go to a couple of meetings & see if it is for you. Try other groups till you find the right one for you. It is so easy to say - "I'm too busy." Decide on a realistic commitment of time that you can contribute to projects. Again, review the benefits I listed earlier - it's a win-win situation for all.
Do it! What have you got to lose? What is the worst thing that could happen?
I remember 23yrs ago standing at a tram stop in Melbourne, on my way to my first Toastmasters meeting, having recently moved to that city. Those very thoughts were going through my mind as I stood waiting for the tram. I decided that if I didn't like it, I just wouldn't go again, but at least I had given it a go. As it turned out, I enjoyed the meeting, liked the people I met & joined the club. I was an active member for 8yrs until we moved to Albury, where I eventually joined Rotary. I feel that my life is enriched by such experiences.
"The grand essentials to happiness in this life are :- something to do, something to love and something to hope for." - Joseph Addison
All the best for the month of February, Eva Bennett
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