Achuckallen

Instigating Better

Leadership

Seven Simple Steps to Give Yourself Away in Service

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Making a Difference: 7 Simple Steps to Give Yourself Away in Service

Are you ready to make a difference? To leave your mark on the world and give back in a meaningful way? I believe that true fulfillment lies in selfless service, and want to show you just how easy it can be. Let’s chat about 7 simple steps that will empower you to give yourself away in service. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, supporting a cause close to your heart, or simply lending a helping hand to those around you – get ready to unlock the joy of making a difference! Let’s dive in and discover how small acts of kindness can create ripples of positive change that resonate far beyond ourselves.

Service is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and has been ingrained in our societies for centuries. At its core, service involves helping others without expecting anything in return. It is often seen as a selfless act that benefits not only the person being served but also the one providing the service. Going back to the first century, Jesus told the greatest story about service. He talked about and taught that if you want to be great, you must become a servant.

While many people have a basic understanding of what service means, its true importance and impact can sometimes be overlooked. Service is essential to make a difference in our lives and the world around us.

1. Service promotes empathy and compassion:

One of the primary reasons why service is crucial is that it allows us to connect with others on a deeper level. By serving others, we gain insight into their struggles, needs, and perspectives. This helps us develop empathy towards their situations and fosters a sense of compassion and understanding. As we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes through service, we become more aware of the challenges they face, making us more compassionate individuals. If there has ever been a time for more compassion, it is now!

2. Service creates a sense of purpose:

Humans are social beings, wired to seek connections and find meaning in our actions. Through service, we fulfill both these innate desires by building relationships with those we serve while also finding purpose in helping others. Whether it’s volunteering at a soup kitchen or mentoring underprivileged youth, acts of service provide fulfillment by giving us a higher sense of purpose beyond ourselves. If you’ve ever wondered why you are here on this earth, go serve others and you’ll discover why you are here!

Find Your Passion and Purpose

The first step in making a difference in the world is to find your passion and purpose. These two elements are crucial as they will drive your actions and provide you with motivation to make a positive impact. Your Creator has wired you for service. You were created to impact others. To impact others for them, and for you!

Many people struggle to identify their passion and purpose, but it is essential for living a fulfilling life and giving back to others. Here are some tips to help you discover yours:

1. Reflect on your interests and values: Start by asking yourself what topics or activities bring you joy? What issues do you feel strongly about? Identifying these can lead you towards finding your passion and purpose. God longs for you to enjoy this service. His creation purpose was for you to join Him in His redemptive plan.

2. Explore different opportunities: Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s volunteering at a local church mission project, delivering meals with Meals on Wheels, or making a meal for a couple that is struggling. Trying out different experiences can help you discover what truly resonates with you. Don’t stop after one effort. You didn’t stop eating out after a bad restaurant experience. Don’t give up on service after an experience that was less than ideal. I love serving kids from homeless or less than ideal family experiences. You might like helping build a thatch roof on a church in the middle of the Yucatán.

3. Consider your skills and strengths: Your unique set of skills, talents, and strengths can also guide you towards your passion and purpose. For example, if you are good at organizing events, consider using that skill for fundraising efforts for a cause that means something to you. It’s not hard to find a way to serve. It’s simply making it intentional. You make vacations intentional. Why not make selfless service intentional?

4. Seek inspiration from others: Look up to people who are already making a difference in their communities or globally. Their stories can inspire you, give insight into how they found their passion, and motivate you to find yours. If you aren’t part of a community of service, just ask people you see doing good on social media. They will invite you join them. Go for it. My first mission experience was building churches in Southern Romania. I fell in love with missional service by helping people who were locked into a mentality of communism. Who knew?

5. Be open-minded: Sometimes our passions and purposes may come in unexpected forms or through unlikely sources. Stay open-minded as you go. I never imagined that I would wake up excited about serving a school for high school dropouts that have their own kids. I couldn’t fathom being excited about building churches in the middle of the Yucatán jungle, or serving educators that teach special needs children…but I do!

Start Small and Local

One of the best ways to make a difference in your community is by starting small and local. This means finding ways to give back within your own neighborhood or city, rather than trying to tackle larger global issues. Everyone would like to change the world. We often pray for God to give us a powerful ministry. What if we are missing the point, and simply need to greatly minister?

Here are some tips for getting started with small and local acts of service:

1. Get involved with local organizations: There are likely many non-profit organizations, churches, charities, and volunteer groups in your area that are doing great work for the community. Research these organizations and find one that aligns with your interests, faith and value systems. You can then reach out to them to see how you can get involved as a volunteer. They all need help. If they don’t welcome the help, they are bad, they simply aren’t right for you.

2. Offer your skills or talents: We all have unique skills and talents that we can use to serve others. Whether it’s teaching a class, providing professional services, or using your creative abilities, look for opportunities where you can utilize your strengths to help those in need within your community. Be willing to take on the lowest position and you will discover the greatest joy.

3. Volunteer at events or fundraisers: Keep an eye out for local events such as food drives, charity walks/runs, or fundraising events for specific causes. These are often organized by non-profits, churches, or community groups looking for volunteers to help run the event smoothly. My church recently invited people to help homeless families with clothing, food and supplies. More than 300 people volunteered and had a fun evening loving others. It’s just not that difficult to do good!

Donate to a Cause or Organization

After taking steps to serve in your community and volunteer your time, the next way you can make a difference is by donating to a cause or organization that aligns with your values, belief systems and passions. Giving back through financial contributions is an impactful way to support causes and organizations that are working towards positive change. If you give what you can, you’ll never get weary of giving. If you do what you can, you’ll never get tired of doing. It’s when we take on more than we can that we realize we often are challenged by an improper motivation. Check your heart on this matter.

1. Choose a Cause or Organization.

2. Do Your Research.

3. Decide on Your Donation Method.

4. Set a Budget.

5. Set Up Automatic Gift Donations.

Use Your Networks to Share Liberally and Graciously

Once you have identified your cause and taken actionable steps to serve others, it is important to spread awareness and education about the issue. This step is crucial in creating a ripple effect of change and inspiring others to get involved.

1. Utilize Social Media Platforms.

2. Organize Events or Workshops.

3. Engage with Schools, Churches or Youth/Family Groups.

4. Create Informative Content that You are Passionate About.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness

In this fast-paced world, we often get caught up in our own routine and forget to spread kindness to those around us. However, practicing random acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s day and even inspire them to pay it forward.

Acts of kindness don’t have to be random, they just need to be genuine. They may seem like they are small gestures, but they have the power to brighten someone’s day and spread joy. It requires no special skills or resources but can leave a lasting impact on both the giver and receiver. Kindness has been scientifically proven to improve overall well-being and reduce stress levels. It also fosters a sense of community and connection with others, making the world a better place one act at a time.

Ideas for Random Acts of Kindness:

1. Pay for someone’s meal or coffee.

2. Leave notes of encouragement.

3. Help out a neighbor.

4. Give a kind word of encouragement.

Create Lasting Change

By following the previous six steps, you have already taken significant strides towards impacting the world positively. However, true change comes from creating lasting impact and leaving a lasting legacy. Consistency was one of Jesus’ most impactful character traits. I love the fact that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Determine to be a consistently gracious human being.

Here are some tips on how you can create lasting change through your service:

1. Identify areas of need.

2. Collaborate with others.

3. Think outside the box. Don’t think conventionally. Think intentionally.

The act of giving oneself away in service has a profound impact not only on the individual but also on the community and society as a whole. It is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the world and leave a lasting impact. Friends, the world doesn’t need great leaders, it is in desperate need of great servants.

Giving yourself away in service can bring about personal growth and self-discovery. When faced with challenges while serving others, we learn to adapt, problem-solve, and develop important life skills such as empathy, communication, leadership, and teamwork. These experiences can shape us into more compassionate, resilient individuals who are better equipped to handle life’s obstacles.

Put my theory to the test. I dare you to prove me and the science behind service wrong. I challenge to prove God wrong. Go serve others and watch how your world changes from the inside and then beyond.

Doing good is good for everyone, especially you!

Go In Peace, Chuck

YOU & THE RIPPLE EFFECT

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How serving others strengthens you mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Have you ever noticed that when you do something kind for someone else, it seems to have a positive impact not only on their life but also on your own? That’s because there is a powerful ripple effect at play – one act of kindness can create waves of positivity throughout our entire being. Here are a few thoughts on the Ripple Effect!

The concept of the ripple effect has been used to describe how one small action can have a larger, cascading impact. In simple terms, it means that any change or action we take can cause a series of effects that spread beyond the initial point of impact. This phenomenon is not limited to physics or economics, but it also applies to our everyday lives and behaviors.

In recent years, researchers have delved deeper into the idea of ripple effects in relation to interpersonal relationships and well-being.

Multiple studies have shown that our actions towards others can create positive effects not only for them but also for ourselves. This is known as the “ripple effect on personal health.”

Now you may be wondering, how exactly does helping others improve my overall health? As mentioned earlier, the ripple effect refers to how one small action can set off a chain reaction leading to larger consequences. It originated from a visual representation of dropping a pebble into water and observing how it creates ripples that spread outwards.

In psychology, this concept is referred to as social contagion – where emotional states and behaviors can be unconsciously transferred from person to person within social networks. For example, witnessing an act of kindness can trigger empathetic emotions in us, resulting in us performing kind acts towards others. My friend, and co- host of the Positive Talk Podcast would say that is reflected through mirror neutrons.

The act of helping others has long been associated with feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction. What many people may not realize, however, is that there are also profound mental health benefits that come with lending a helping hand to those in need.

In the nonsensical world we live in, and the amount of energy we expend to live a more peace-filled life, this seems to be a no brainer. Here are a few benefits that serving others offer you.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

One of the main mental health benefits of helping others is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that engaging in acts of kindness activates the areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, leading to a release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. These hormones counteract the effects of stress hormones like cortisol, thereby reducing levels of stress and promoting relaxation. One study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that performing acts of kindness for others led to a significant decrease in participants’ stress levels. The act did not even have to be grand gestures; simple acts like holding open a door or offering words of encouragement were enough to produce measurable changes in stress levels.

2. Boosts Mood and Happiness

Helping others also has a significant impact on one’s overall mood and happiness levels. When we help someone else, we experience an increase in positive emotions such as joy, contentment, and gratitude. Additionally, research has found that performing acts of kindness can lead to a boost in serotonin levels – also known as the “happy hormone.” Who doesn’t want to be happier?

3. Increases Self-Esteem

Helping others can have a powerful effect on our self-perception and self-esteem. By making a positive impact on someone else’s life or contributing to something larger than ourselves, we gain a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This feeling can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with low self-esteem or feelings of worthlessness. Several studies indicate that 85% of Americans suffer from low self-esteem. That seems like an impossible statistic, but based on my counseling appointments over the past few years, I’d say it is spot on.

4. Provides a Sense of Connection

Many people underestimate the importance of human connection in maintaining good mental health. By helping others, we are creating meaningful connections and building relationships with those around us. These social connections have been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being and reduced feelings of loneliness. I know this to be significant in recovery from grief, trauma, and depression. If you are struggling with an unfulfilled degree of relationships, volunteer to help others through civic groups, churches, non profits and non-governmental agencies. You’ll discover meaningful relationships with people built around doing good, together.

5. Promotes Mindfulness

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us struggle to slow down and be present in the moment. Engaging in acts of kindness requires us to be fully present and aware of our surroundings, leading to a state of mindfulness. By being mindful, we can reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, as well as increase overall feelings of happiness and satisfaction. There is a deep spiritual sense of contentment that is found within an attitude of mindful presence. There are times when simple mindfulness allows me to experience God in a deep, sabbath like manner.

Another way that helping others enhances our overall happiness is by promoting a sense of gratitude. When we engage in gracious acts towards those less fortunate than us, it reminds us to be thankful for what we have in our own lives. This perspective shift from focusing solely on ourselves to acknowledging the struggles and challenges faced by others cultivates feelings of appreciation for all the blessings in our own lives. The grateful heart is a heart after God’s best for our lives.

Another spiritual benefit is the opportunity for personal growth and self-reflection. Engaging in acts of service challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and opens up new perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. Serving others also encourages self-reflection as it prompts us to examine our motivations for giving back and how we can make a positive impact in the world. This introspection can lead to personal growth and a deepening of our spiritual understanding. My experience has been that the Bible, prayer and meditation come alive in my soul as my heart is moved to act with a spirit and tangibility of selfless service.

Giving back also allows us to align our actions with our values and beliefs. The teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of serving others and making a positive contribution to both friend and enemy. Engaging in acts of service can help us live out these values and keep them at the forefront of our daily lives.

Ultimately, giving back is a powerful way to tap into our compassion, empathy, and kindness towards others. It is through giving that we are able to connect with something greater than ourselves, whether it be our community, humanity as a whole, and ultimately with Christ Himself. By spreading love and joy through acts of service, we not only enrich the lives of others but also nurture our own spirituality and well-being.

Making an effort to connect with others and find meaning in life is crucial for our overall health and well-being. It not only benefits ourselves but also has a positive impact on those around us. So, let’s make a conscious effort to nurture our relationships, give back to our communities, and appreciate the meaningful moments in life.

Along with gratitude, practicing humility is equally important for our mental health. Humility is having a modest view of oneself while acknowledging that there are other perspectives and experiences beyond our own. It means letting go of egocentric thoughts and behaviors such as seeking attention or validation from others. In its truest form, humility is the recognition that God is God, and He is in control, not us.

Strengthening spiritual beliefs can have a profound effect on our overall health and well-being. Our spiritual beliefs are an integral part of our identity, shaping our values, morals, and purpose in life. Numerous studies support the fact that living a God-centric life is key to living with a greater purpose and a more peace-filled life. Spiritual practices like prayer or meditation allow us to connect with God in a way that fuels our desire to act on our gratitude, humility, and peace through acts of service.

Furthermore, having strong spiritual, God honoring beliefs has been linked to improved physical health. Studies have shown that individuals with a strong sense of spirituality tend to have lower levels of stress hormone cortisol, better immune function, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and depression.

By choosing to lend a hand or perform an act of kindness, we are not only making a positive impact on someone else’s life but also reaping numerous mental health benefits for ourselves. So let’s make helping others a regular practice and witness the positive effects it has on our overall health and well-being.

I’ll share seven ways to engage with greater intentionality in tomorrow’s post.

For now, would you consider making the conscious effort to determine how you might strengthen you entire being through acts of kindness, service, generosity, and grace this Christmas season, and beyond into the new year? Join the ripple effect and see how the Divine can greatly use you to change the trajectory of someone else’s life while growing and strengthening your own soul, mind and body.

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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Week 42 of 2023 is almost in the books. It seems so distant and yet so close to me. The war in Israel has had a significant impact on my life. I have friends whose lives have been turned upside down. Friends who have their lives in danger and friends with their livelihood has been placed on hold, indefinitely. Please join me in praying for peace in Jerusalem and for peace in Israel. And as you go, go in peace! Thank you for joining me each week for the 4forFRIDAY.

This Week’s 4forFRIDAY

An Exceptional Book: From Strength to Strength
Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life

A Fantastic Mexican Restaurant:
CT Cantina and Taqueria in Alpharetta at Halcyon

A Really Interesting Article:
How To Be Judgmental — But In A Good Way

My Latest “Favorite Wallet”: CODE118

BONUS: A Podcast for People That Might Think, “I Never Thought This Would Be My Life.”

A Quote from Former Golda Meir:
“One cannot and must not try to erase the past merely because it does not fit the present. Old age is like a plane flying through a storm. Once you’re aboard, there’s nothing you can do. I must govern the clock, not be governed by it..”

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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Week 40 of 2023 is almost in the books. It’s hard to imagine that we are already in the fourth quarter of this year. It’s even harder to believe that I’ll be 64 next week. I must admit that my 60s have been good to me. Have a wonderful day and a fun weekend ahead! And as you go, go in peace! Thank you for joining me each week for the 4forFRIDAY.

This Week’s 4forFRIDAY

A Really Great Album from Need to Breathe: CAVES

A Really Useful Business Book: Taming the Culture Tiger: The Art and Science of Transforming Organizations and Accelerating Innovation

A Great Men’s Hair Product: Dandymen Grooming Clay

A New Favorite Men’s Shirt from PONCHO. I really love these shirts!

BONUS: A Podcast for People in a Meaningful Relationship: Are Online Relationships Cheating?

A Quote from Former Margaret Thatcher
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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Week 39 of 2023 is almost in the books. It’s been a great week with many beautiful opportunities to serve others, learn, grow, and lead. Have a wonderful day and a fun weekend ahead! And as you go, go in peace! Thank you for joining me each week for the 4forFRIDAY.

This Week’s 4forFRIDAY

A Podcast for Parents: Parenting With Screen Literacy from the Positive Talk Podcast

A GREAT ARTICLE! What Are People of No Faith Looking for in Faith Conversations?

A Very Interesting Chart from Jaspar Pollack on Change – Check this out on X

An Interesting Article: 5 Things Christians Need to Know about Trauma

A Quote from Former President, Jimmy Carter
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.”

Go in Peace, Chuck

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

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Week 38 of 2023 is almost in the books. It’s been a non-stop, all-out sprint to the finish this week. As a result, I’m pooped and ready for some college football this weekend. I hope your team wins unless you wear orange or have a mascot named Buzz! Have a wonderful day and a fun weekend ahead! And as you go, go in peace! Thank you for joining me each week for the 4forFRIDAY.

This Week’s 4forFRIDAY

A Very Good Book: The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath

A Really Good Album: What are We Waiting For? by For King and Country

A Very Interesting Show: How to Live to 100, Wherever You are in the World, from NETFLIX

An Interesting Article: The 10 Most Historical Trails You Can Hike

A Quote from Maya Angelou
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Go in Peace, Chuck