We Thank This Day

I was scrolling through facebook today and came across this post from a page by Positive Truths. We all get annoyed by the chores we do and the daily tasks we have to complete, but in reality, we should be thankful for these tasks. The daily nuances are what make up life. If not for these, what is life? 

On Duty

In spreading the love this Valentine's Day, I went out and did community outreach through Service Saturday. This month's activities involved working with the Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Fest, where organizations and restaurants give out chili. 

Amidst the snow and cold air, I was excited! It was my very first chili fest and I got to help out. My initial reaction to the event was beyond belief. With so many people crowding each vendor, I couldn't wait to experience an annual Ithaca event. With that, I got assigned to volunteer as a patrol officer of some sort. 

My duty was to patrol the sidewalks and make sure that no one jaywalks through the street or organize the lines in a way that it wouldn't spill out onto the street. At first I thought the task was quite simple. I mean, I'm just being a security guard, right? 

Easy enough for me to say. I had never acted as a security guard for anything or anyone (well, unless you consider babysitting to be just that). The first 15 minutes went by without any problem, except for the fact that I started off extremely embarrassed to be wearing a neon vest while holding a neon orange flag. People were staring, and I was not comfortable with that. 

Since I was on duty for 3 hours, I figured time would fly by without me noticing. But that was not the case. In fact, time took forever to pass. 

After about an hour of standing along the sidewalk, my whole body felt as though it was frozen. I could not feel my fingers and toes. I wondered how security guards stand outside for so long in all seasons, for that matter. 

This Service Saturday experience, neither the best nor the most fun, turned out to be the most valuable. I realized how much significance I had as a duty officer when a pedestrian walked past me and told me, "Wow! You deserve a ticket for all that you have been doing. Thanks!" I couldn't believe it. I had actually made a difference in the community by patrolling the sidewalk and caring for others' safety. I felt proud for being recognized for such a small contribution. 

I now hold much more appreciation for security guards and patrol officers. They deserve a lot more respect and gratitude for all that they do. They hold out during the cold winters as they watch for people's safety and don't complain. Security guards and patrol officers provide more for us than we can ever imagine, so take some time one day to thank them. It will make them feel appreciated and might even make their day --- I know, because it made mine and I have been in their shoes. 

Photo Credit: http://www.3dwallz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/13/appreciation-can-make-a-day-even-change-a-life-copy.jpg 

Spread the Love

Valentine's Day is almost here! A celebration of love and appreciation for those around you have translated into showering each other with gifts, flowers, and an endless amount of chocolates, but why not spread the love with more than just gifts? Why not go out and celebrate Valentine's Day with meaning? In celebration of the holiday, here are 5 ways to spread the love this weekend:

1) Spend a little extra on tips! Whether you're out with friends for dinner or are out on a date with that special someone, try tipping the waiter or waitress a little extra cash. Rather than tipping the usual 10-15%, try leaving 20% (after all, they could have their own plans for Valentine's Day, but are spending their time serving you). Your waiter or waitress will appreciate the extra cash and it will put a smile on their faces!

2) Send out special Valentines! Be it a family member, best friend, or significant other, send your loved ones a hand-made Valentine to let them know you care. Valentines can be crafted and designed for each unique individual thanking them for being them. While you're at it, why not send Valentines to random people you don't know? It might make someone's day and let them know that they are loved, too. 

3) Volunteer in the community! The best way to spread the love this weekend is to sign up for a local volunteer opportunity. Grab a couple friends, travel to a local organization or charity, and get ready to lend a helping hand. You not only show the community you care, but also get to have fun and meet new people in the process!

4) Reconcile your differences! Valentine's Day is all about letting someone know you care, so call up an old friend or family member and reconcile your differences. If there have been hostile relations between you, talk it out. Let them know what's on your mind and make up for the lost time. The best relationships can come from those with the biggest regrets.

5) And finally, love yourself! After taking the time to appreciate others, spread the love, volunteer, and amend broken relationships, why not take time for yourself? You deserve to be pampered and loved, too. So take some time to indulge in your passions. Who knows? Maybe you will discover something new about yourself or find a new favorite hobby. 

"If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love" ~ Maya Angelou

Photo Credit: http://www.michalesjoy.com/wallpaper/1024x768/giving-my-heart-valentines-day-love-wallpapers.html; http://www.polyvore.com/valentines_day_clip_art_red/thing?id=10619244 

What It Means to Be A Leader

Happy February! I hope this short (and cold) month finds you well! 

Throughout high school, one of my favorite after-school activities was sports. Now, you may be wondering what sports have to do with being a leader in the community, but in fact, there are many reasons why sports are a great way to build leadership skills. Let me take you back to my high school years.

Basketball became a sport I enjoyed playing since I was a little girl. I couldn't wait for basketball practice and for the season to begin. When I entered the upper girls league, however, I found that the middle and high school girls' leagues were combined. This was a surprise, as I have always been on teams where the players were of the same age. The combined leagues had girls from grades seven to twelve mixed together on the same team. Seventh grade basketball was not only a surprising reality, but also a fun year. I guess you could say that it became the year  that I realized what it takes to become a leader.

Being one of only two seventh graders on a team of high school students, I felt defeated. I was unfamiliar to the new league and that made me insecure about my abilities as a player. The first few games of the season were rough. I had to adjust to the new basketball court, new players, and a new team. Being the youngest, I worried that I would rarely see the ball in my hands. That all changed further into the season as we held weekly practices.

During practice, the high school players (our team captains) would help out the younger players and teach them techniques to improve their shooting, dribbling, and passing skills. They would stop in the middle of the drill to correct our hand positions, footwork, and defense skills, incorporating me into the plays and molding all of the players into an efficient team. Slowly, I saw myself becoming an improved player. 

Now, what is the point? Well, I followed their lead upon entering my freshman year of high school as I found myself to be one of two high school students on a team of mostly seventh graders (needless to say, I became team captain). Learning from my team captains, I showed up to practice with optimism and enthusiasm so that I could do my best in helping the seventh graders adjust to the new league. Yeah, it was tiresome and frustrating, but I learned throughout my four years as team captain that being a leader is about patience, strength, and the ability to demonstrate rather than inform. 

The first year as team captain allowed me to really think about the role of a leader. Although most of the time it was just working with the coach and assisting them with demonstrations, being a team captain showed me how leadership skills build character. As I became more comfortable with communicating and interacting with the other players, I learned that to be a leader takes time. Being a leader means taking control of a situation when it gets out of hand and working with others for the improvement of a greater good. By taking control on the court, I was able to communicate with my team in a way that allowed us to work well together during the games. 

As the seasons progressed, I accepted my role of team captain with confidence. Even though I did not win any championships, basketball has taught me about much more than winning. Basketball has given me the opportunity to grow as both a leader and team player. It has taught me that confidence is key and that leadership is the gateway to building a strong character. 

"...leaders will be those who empower others" ~ Bill Gates