Hmmmmm…01-22-13
“Life's most
persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?” -Martin Luther King, Jr.
While it’s true that awesome ends with ‘me’, recent
research shows alarming evidence that there has been a dramatic decrease in
empathetic concern—aka brotherly love—among our nation’s youth.
The renowned news program, 60 Minutes, ran a story
documenting the new breed of American, one who is 40% less empathetic than their
counterparts from the 1970s. It seems
that while today’s young Americans have become more confident and assertive,
they have also become more self-absorbed and depressed.
Volunteering to help someone in need just may be the
cure. The body experiences a rush of
endorphins called the “Helper’s High” during and after performing any selfless
act of volunteerism. Endorphins are your
body’s natural pain killers—as strong as and often stronger than morphine—that not
only decrease pain, but improve your overall emotional health.
The profound positive
effects of volunteerism in older adults are widely documented. Now research is showing that volunteering
prevents risky behaviors in teens, increases academic success, and decreases
symptoms of mild to moderate depression.
It looks like volunteering really does pay!
Walk a mile in someone
else’s shoes. Help carry the load. We’re all in this together.
He ain’t heavy, he’s my
brother,
Gina J
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