What does your New Year look like?
Have you come up with a set of resolutions? Did you narrow it down after realizing how hard it was to follow through with the plethora of last year's? Are there things you want to do this year but don't really know how? Starting a career, finding an internship fit for your field of study, pushing the limits of your comfort zone? These are all things that have crossed my mind. The main one pressing my brain though is how to make a difference. After some thought, I figured some friends might be in the same boat and could use a nudge when it comes to pursuing life more presently and for a greater purpose than ourselves.
Lets face it, doing good deeds makes us feel good. Helping one another, supporting the humanity of our planet, and standing for things we believe in positively impacts our lives as well as other's.
Another thing we should feel okay coming to terms with is that it's not easy. Unstable financial situations can make it stressful and hard to contribute to charitable foundations and do-good organizations. The overwhelmingly high number of foundations to research and support can be even more stressful.
We tend to ask ourselves so many questions in the process of giving up our hard earned money to an organization that fits well with our values. Is my help really being reciprocated by the right people? How do I know if this organization is legit? These are good questions to be asking.
Me myself, well, I am still learning too. And yeah, maybe currently unemployed. But what I do know is that pushing yourself to become aware of the things happening in your country, and the world's overall environment, is important. So here are a few ways to become aware of some of the things I feel should be high on your list.
Ways to educate yourself on:
Climate Change - John D. Sutter with CNN produces great environmental articles centered around the climate change epidemic and ways to prevent the sixth mass extinction, as well as limiting the burning of fossil fuels. Follow his Climate Change coverage, Two Degrees, or read his featured stories onCNN Digital.
World News - If you aren't subscribed to and/or reading about the things going on in YOUR WORLD then here you go - TheSKimm. The best fit news outlet for 20-somethings.
TED - Showcasing incredible and much neededIdeas Worth Spreading. Want a deeper understanding of our world and perhaps yourself? Try downloading a few TedTalk podcasts before that commute to work or road trip across the country.
Meditation- This was always something I wanted to learn but I never knew how to truly train my mind on my own.Headspace is hands down the best app to grasp the technique. Like yoga, it aims at reducing clutter in your mind, developing awareness and compassion for oneself, and reducing levels of anxiety. I recommend this ten minute excercise a thousand times over.
Volunteer & unique membership opportunities
The Yellow Collective - A start-up organization for women who share a passion for do-good businesses and creative work. On top of sharing inspiring and motivational articles, they send perfect do-good products upon membership to fuel your creative visions. Yellow also puts on conferenceseach year with enlightening speakers that share their successes and secrets to attaining your goals.
Surfrider Foundation - A network of passionate activists continuously creating campaigns, fighting legal battles, and shedding light on the state of our oceans - All important when it comes to climate change and the evolution of our environment.
The Humane Society- Work with the Animal Rescue Team to save dogs and animals that fall victim to abuse and violence. Find more volunteer informationhere.
Defend Our Future - A group of students, campus administrators, artists, actors, athletes, and businesses that share the same goal of fighting climate change. Seek ways to take action.
Your input and ideas are always loved and I hope this blog can help support a strong community of ideas, environmental awareness, and the overall positive growth of our humanity.