Summer is a time to reconnect with people, be outside, take life a little less seriously, and enjoy the warm weather.

One of the most precious aspects of being alive is sharing our lives, and connecting to others. Our relationships with friends, family, and co-workers remind us that we are all connected to each other. They are our mirrors, reminding us of our own humanity. Even a short exchange with a stranger or acquaintance can brighten our day. It’s that connection, love in all its forms, that we all seek and need on a daily basis.

The times we begin feeling down or depressed, often have to do with dwelling on our own problems, going inward, or feeling isolated and unloved. When we stay connected to others on a regular basis and share positive experiences, there is often less of a tendency to dwell on our own problems.

When we look outside of ourselves and focus on others, we really see them. We all are dying to be seen and heard. Take some time to start finding small ways you can connect more to others. Is there a card you’ve been meaning to send someone you care about to tell them how much you miss and love them? Can you really see the person at work you are talking to, and give them a real compliment on their new hair style or great attitude at work? The difference we can make in another’s life by simply noticing them, is really quite remarkable. It also makes us feel happier and lighter to touch someone else, and takes the focus off of ourselves. We are all in this same world together after all.

A wonderful way to feel more connected, and get out of the house, and outside of oneself is to give back to others. Whether it is talking for one hour a week to an elderly person, helping the sick or homeless, or reading to a child in need, giving back is a wonderful gift.

There are several organizations to volunteer, and I have listed a few of them below:

New York City:

VolunteerNYC.org – has a large listing of many different types of volunteer organizations in the city. You can enter your zip code and the Population you’d like to work with and find several opportunities.

NYcares.org – has a wide range of volunteer opportunities including working with Animals, children, and adults throughout the year and only on holidays in a wide range of fields.

Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (www.isaacenter.org)- Various volunteer opportunities kids through seniors

Bottomlessclosetnyc.org — work with women to promote economic self-sufficiency by providing interview skills, business clothing, and career development.

Opening Doors and Building Bridgesv— Help Students with tutoring, college planning and career services.

www.NYCgovparks.org – work on volunteer projects outdoors in the parks and cleaning up the environment

Volunteermatch.org – a calendar of events and organizations that list the type of volunteers they are looking for on specific dates throughout the year.

National opportunities:

www.volunteermatch.org
www.volunteernh.org

International:

www.volunteerinternational.org