Voluntarily Happy

I read a magazine article this morning entitled Voluntarily Happy in November's issue of Good Housekeeping.  First of all, yes, I stole the title for this post from the magazine article.  Secondly, lest you worry that I have become overly domesticated, no worries.  I do not subscribe to this magazine, while I think it's a good one.  My little momma does and she only passed it on to me because there's an article about none other than "my Antonio".  For people that know me, Antonio needs no further introduction.  For the uninitiated, he's Antonio Banderas,  

The article in Good Housekeeping is about volunteering and offers these statistics:

• About 1/4 of all Americans volunteer.
• About 1/3 of those volunteer more than 100 hours a year. 
• This, while sounding like a lot of time, only equates to about 2 hours per week. 

Aside from the fact that I truly believe all people should give back to their communities, studies show that a habit of helping others boosts happiness.  I am a firm believer in working very hard to be as happy as possible.  It doesn't happen by accident, you need to be mindful to be happy.

Some people hold the opinion that Real Estate Agents are a bunch of greedy money grubbers, only out to make a buck.  While there are bad apples in every profession, I know far more that do good work for others than you might think.  I am a people pleaser by nature and that extends from my personal life into my professional life.  I am a helper and real estate is the natural progression of doing what I love, which is helping people. My other passion is feeding people and I get to do that through my volunteer work for Meals on Wheels.  I know many agents who work hard at their profession of helping people buy and sell homes and then spend countless hours helping others through the various charities and causes they champion.  What follows is a short list of only some of the endeavors that real estate agents across our country support either through their time and talent, or with monetary donations, or both:

Meals on Wheels.  This link is for my local chapter.  Meals on Wheels organization provides warm and nourishing meals for shut ins.  My favorite place to volunteer. 

Mothers Fighting For Others.  This organization provides orphaned girls with a loving and nurturing environment and a quality education, so they can learn, thrive and achieve their highest potential.  Starting in Kenya, the goal is to build orphanages all over the world.

Our Special Place.  This organization was founded by two special families with a mission to enrich the lives of children with special needs by providing a variety of professional services in a nurturing and therapeutic environment.  You can read more about this here.  

Mobile Loaves and Fishes.  Provides food and clothing and promotes dignity to homeless men and women.  You can read more about this here.

Habitat for Humanity.  Is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian Ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. 

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.     Dedicated to raising funds to improve medical facilities and health-care for sick and injured children.