Resolve 2013: Volunteering Good for the Soul

Today is the last day of our 23013 Resolve tour. And you get to hear my take on volunteering.

I've always been a volunteering type person. Even in school I volunteered for committees and helped with school functions. I have talents and I can use them when volunteering. When you don't have money to buy gifts, or food, or to donate to causes, you always have yourself to offer. 

I was a 4-H leader for twenty-two years, I offered my knowledge of sewing, cooking, crocheting  and cake decorating to the youth. When my children were in grade school, I volunteered in all their classes, was part of the PTA and helped with functions to raise money for sports and music programs. 

Now that my kids have moved on and I no longer am affiliated with the programs of their youth, I now give my time to helping writers I've held office in a RWA chapter and helped with events. I judge contests, critique for people, and teach workshops at conferences and meetings. I have also helped with a 4th grade picture book contest put on by the local writers group where I go into the classroom and show them the basics of writing a picture book. 

I'm happiest when I can help others and you know that old saying "what goes around comes around" it's true. When you give of yourself you not only feel fulfilled but good things will come to you.

What was the last thing you volunteered for? Did you feel the good karma?


Thank you for following the posts here and at the other authors blogs to help you come up with ways to follow through on your resolutions.  Please continue to follow us and learn more about each one of us and explore interesting topics we each delve into on our blogs. 

Here is a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolutions:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

Resolve 2013: Know Thyself

"continuing the resolutions tour"

Please welcome, Linda Mercury to my blog and learn her thoughts on volunteering. 

Know Thyself, by Linda Mercury

In January, the energy of the New Year propels us into fabulous, new adventures. Everything from volunteering for two years in the Peace Corps to helping out once a month at the local library appeals to our awakened thoughts. Just like any adventure, though, volunteering needs some preparation.

Volunteering has a dark side that no one admits. If you choose the wrong fit, it can lead to burn out, cynicism, and tears all around. Check the organization first. Make sure they don’t use volunteers for a task that needs skilled labor.

For example, I know my way around a glue gun, but I would not trust myself to handle anything that needed to be seriously secured. Frivolously secured, sure. Seriously? Nope.

Then, before you sign up, check yourself. Are your emotional boundaries healthy and strong? Do you get sick easily? How well do you cope with frustration and angry people? And here’s the kicker – are you getting enough sleep?

Once you are sure your resources are in order, dive in! There are a million and one ways to make the world a better place. It’s heady, exciting, and wonderful. Enjoy!

Author of the Blood Wings Series from eKensington

Dracula’s Secret

Dracula’s Desires

Dracula Unleashed

Blog

@LindaMercury1 on Twitter

Facebook

Bio

Linda Mercury left behind her varied careers as a librarian, art model, and professional clown to pursue writing. She’s interested in writing, romance, Middle Eastern History, reading, organizing, cooking, hand-made silk Turkish rugs, and the Nike of Samothrace.

Here is a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolutions:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

Resolve 2013 : Volunteer

"Continuing the Resolve tour..."

Welcome Jenna Bayley-Burke, author of Drive Me Crazy to Writing into the Sunset. What are your thoughts on my New Year’s resolution to volunteer?

I have the opposite problem – for 2013 I’m going to try to volunteer less… Not sure how that is going to work out. My usual method for avoiding adding projects to my schedule is to miss meetings. Unfortunately, that sometimes results in my being volun-told. Ahem.

I’ve scaled down my volunteering before, when I realized I could not do as much with three kids as I could with two. So I know how to downshift. I think ramping up works the same way, just in reverse.

·         Do what feels good – Give your time to an organization or person that makes you feel better about yourself or the world. Right now, I focus my time on helping kids because, well, I love them. As I am cutting my volunteer hours I’ll be letting go of the time I spend prepping projects and focus on spending time encouraging the kids. I’ll make time for that.

·         Know your limits – Sometimes when a new volunteer comes into an organization they are seen as fresh meat and encouraged to over-commit. Yes, you want to help and get to know how to better serve the cause but… baby steps. Start small and add on from there.

·         Encourage others to join you – Volunteering is more fun when you do it with friends. Plus, the more hands, the faster things go. And your commitment will be both to the organization and your friends. Maybe you’re not thrilled about prepping the Meals-on-Wheels bags today, but chatting with girlfriends as you load things in? Who minds that?  

Find Jenna : Website | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog| Pinterest  

I'm also including a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolution:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

Resolve 2013: Volunteerism

"continuing the Resolve tour..."

Today I have Cassiel Knight another author who is also a friend  We first met when she was president of an RWA chapter I was visiting. She has a welcoming presence and can keep a room full of women under control. 

Cassiel Knight

Key of Solomon (Relic Defender, Book 1)

I love volunteering – too much. If I had to have a resolution around volunteering, it would be about saying no. But I’m good with it because I love to be involved.

But, this is a post about volunteerism as a New Year’s resolution. In our full lives, it’s hard to think about adding anything extra. Certainly, volunteering is a balancing act between your writing, your family, your day job and taking care of yourself.

So, how do you fit in volunteering? Here’s a quote from a favorite movie of mine, Evan Almighty. When Evan asks God how he’s supposed to change the world, God answers with “one random act of kindness at a time.”

That’s it. All you have to do is one random act (no matter how small) of volunteerism at a time. Whatever you do will be important and you’ll still benefit. Volunteering doesn’t mean you have to go grand scale but just get involved in whatever fashion suits you best. Those of us who run volunteer events appreciate whatever we can get—truly.

You’ll get far more from volunteering than you have to give—I guarantee it.

Have a fantastic 2013!

Cassiel Knight resides in the beautiful, and evergreen, state of Oregon with her husband of over 20 years and two female Shih Tzus, which are her children in every sense of the word. When she isn't editing, writing or reading (and that is most of the time), she can be found playing with her Shih Tzus, gardening (when the weather permits and sometimes when it doesn't) and cooking fancy meals as long as someone else does the dishes. She writes paranormal romances with kick-assitude that blend archeology and mythology—just a few of her favorite things—for Samhain Publishing, Lyrical Press and Champagne Book Group.

You can find me at these places:

Website

Blog

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

I'm also including a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolution:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

I'm over at Jamie Brazil's talking about how to shrink my closet today. http://jamiebrazil.com/2013/01/06/resolve-2013-five-second-toss-2/

Resolve 2013: Who, Me?

"Continuing the Resolve tour..."

I'll never forget my ride from a meeting to lunch with this wonderful, funny lady. We found we were kindred spirits in more than just the writing world. She grew up on a farm just like me and had the same rural values. 

Please welcome:

Cathryn Cade

Hawaiian Heroes III; Blooming in the Wild  

Volunteering is good. We should all do it. Groan ….

When I first saw Paty’s request for a blog on this topic I nearly panicked. I mean, I’m not serving as an usher on Sunday, or shelving books at the public library or any of the other acts of kindness I could be doing these days. Were I a better person.

Just like every parent, I’ve put in countless hours of volunteer work in my time. Teaching vacation Bible school, and helping with other church activities. Cub Scout den leader, even one memorable year as the Pack Leader (I was the one who didn’t duck). Chairman of the all-city Halloween Safe Kids Carnival. Weekend and evening events for the elementary schools my kids went to, and the one where I taught.

But, since I quit teaching to write full time I’ve hunkered down and pulled in the latch-string after myself.

Online is where I volunteer these days. I judge writing contests, critique manuscripts when asked, write a column for my favorite review site, gratis. I moderate a national loop. I Tweet for romance writing colleagues, and promote their work whenever I can.  When I go to a conference, I find some task to help with. When I read a good book or a helpful blog post, I recommend it.

Could I be doing more for my communities, both online and at home? Yup. So thanks to Paty for the friendly nudge. No matter what stage of life, there are tasks to be done, and I’m the woman for many of those jobs.  We all are.

Because now that I think about it, there is such a glow of pride and pleasure to be had from doing for others, why aren’t I availing myself of that more often? And we meet cool people, too.

How about you, reader? What’s your favorite volunteer place or task? Leave a comment!

Cathryn Cade

... red hot romance!

Goodreads, My Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Samhain Author Page,

And sign up for My Newsletter for a chance to win goodies! 

I'm also including a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolution:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

Resolve 2013: To Volunteer Or Not To Volunteer, That Is The Question

The first time I met my guest, she was so warm, friendly, and helpful that I became a fan before she had a published book. She always has a smile and kind words. And her posts shows that side of her. 

Susan Lute

Dragon's Thief

I'm one of those kids who believes what goes around, comes around; put up or shut up; good will overcome sloth. And yes, I was raised by a Marine. Idle hands were not welcome.

Like Jessa, I have found that volunteering, whether it's for the writing community, or for a cause I believe in, like literacy, it has always brought great rewards. No one would believe this now, but not that many years ago I was a shy mouse who had to force herself out of the corner when participating in groups. Determined to get over that shyness I volunteered to be president of Rose City Romance Writers. All right I was voted in, but the truth is, the Universe was kind and I got way more than overcoming a little shyness.

So, I encourage you - volunteer. When you do, pick something you have a passion about. More often than not you'll get more out of the experience than you put into it. And surprise, you'll make interesting friends along the way. Also remember the other side of the coin. Don't take on more than you can handle. Remember, work less, play more...that's the resolution I'm sharing this year.

Do you have a chance to volunteer? What do you think?

Where to find me :) Goodreads, My website, Facebook, Twitter and See Jane Publish. Sign up for my newsletter and have a chance to win a gift card to Amazon or BN. And don't forget to support your local authors by becoming a “fan” on Goodreads.

I'm also including a list of all 9 bloggers and their resolution:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

You can find me over at Cathryn Cade's today talking about my creative passion.

Resolve 2013: Volunteerism: Start Small

"Continuing the Resolution Tour..."

Please welcome one of my favorite people, she is not only a wonderful author and giving person but a true friend to anyone she meets. 

Maggie Jaimeson

ETERNITY

When I think of volunteering I am immediately overwhelmed with possibilities.  For many years, I did no regularly scheduled volunteering. There just wasn’t enough hours in the week to know I could commit to a schedule. My volunteering tended to be things like “I’ll read that for you.” “I’ll build that website for you.” Or “I’ll coordinate a contest.”  Time-limited and something I could do from home were the key elements.. Now that I’m not working 60 hours a week at another job and writing on the side, I’ve been wondering where and how I should volunteer.  Actually, it’s kind of scary.

My natural tendency is to want to solve a problem like hunger or homelessness or education access.  Nope too big for me right now.  For 2013 I decided, instead, to focus smaller. To focus on my small community and to take on something that would benefit the community and benefit me.  I decided to volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society.

I’ve been wanting to adopt one or two cats. Our three Ohio humane society rescue cats have all passed away over the past five years. The last one left us almost two years ago now.  My husband, however, isn’t ready to have new pets yet. So, I’ve decided to satiate my cat need by volunteering at the local humane society. I can play with cats, feed them, socialize them, clean their spaces and get my cat fix while still doing something they need.  It’s a small thing, but it counts.

If you are considering volunteering, think close to home and what cause you want to support. Start small. A couple hours a month is fine, or an hour a week. Whatever you can schedule. There are so many worthy causes and everyone needs more help.

Contact Maggie: Website | GoodReads | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

I'm also including a list of the 9 bloggers and their resolution:

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.  

I'm talking about losing weight over at Jenna Bayley-Burke's blog today. Come on by.

Resolve 2013: Give More, Get More

For the next nine days, a group of my favorite author friends and I will be helping each other with one of our New Year's resolutions. (Special thanks to Jessie for suggesting this to us!)  Each resolution is different. Mine is about volunteering.  I have a penchant for volunteering, sometimes it can become a problem.  So, each of nine writers will be guest posting on my blog about this resolution and their approach or ideas. After the other eight authors have posted, I will wrap up with how I'm going to make my volunteer resolution work for me. In turn, I will be posting on each of their blogs to help with their resolutions too.  The list of writers and resolutions is at the end of this blog.  I hope you check each author’s blog every day.  I suspect some of these resolutions are on your list too.

Today I have the talented and witty, Jessa Slade talking about one of my favorite resolutions- volunteering. 

Resolve 2013: Give More, Get More

Jessa Slade

The Darkest Night (A Marked Souls Christmas novella) 

I’m pretty good at saying no. I’m not one of those over-achieving martyrs who gets a thrill out of saying yes to every project and every committee. I know my limits and I always try to leave some free space for emergencies. And yet…

The truth is, I’ve discovered that while the devil favors idle hands, the universe seems to shine its generous light on the busy. The more I say yes, the more the universe says yes to me and offers me more opportunities. I realize in a way, this is a self-fulfilling prophecy: The more I am “out there,” the more I can be found by opportunity. But I’m trying to make sure those opportunities are always moving me in the right direction, toward greater self-awareness and what I consider a better world.

I’ve always given back to my writing communities through volunteering and 2013 will be no different. My suggestions for volunteering:

1. The world is a bottomless well of need. Find the thing that floats your boat and you will undoubtedly float someone else as well.

2. If no one else wants to help with something, ask yourself whether that thing is truly valued. Maybe it’s something that should fade away.

3. Know YOUR limits. You can only give so much and still give your best.

And remember, the universe and your fellow woman thank you for volunteering!

How many flaming bowling balls, lawn mowers and cockatoos can you juggle at once? Please share in comments.

Goodreads, My website, My newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
And follow my A LITTLE NIGHT MUSE blog tour for a chance to win goodies!

THE RESOLUTION TOUR - January 1 - 9, 2013

Maggie Jaimeson - Take a Vacation

Jessa Slade - Get Organized

Paty Jager - Volunteerism

Linda Mercury - Creating a Literary (or Creative) Life

Jenna Bayley-Burke - Eat Healthier

Cassiel Knight - No More Procrastination

Cathryn Cade - Take Time for those OTHER Creative Passions

Su Lute - Reduce Stress: Find and Follow Your Bliss

Jamie Brazil - Shrink My Closet 

The best way to support authors you like is to friend and fan them on social media sites. If you enjoy the posts from this tour please show your appreciation by liking or becoming a friend or fan. Thank you for stopping in and visiting.