MAKE A DIFFERENCE

we are all "social workers" -- working to create a better social environment for ourselves and our loved ones -- in one way or another. some of us have special causes that we put much energy in to, while others focus on career or make "family" a career. there are little things we can do every single day to make this world a more enjoyable place and a safer place for ourselves and others. let's review (this was created by Members of SCW Community):

HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITY

Turn off your TV * Leave your house
Know your neighbors
Look up when you are walking
Greet people * Sit on your stoop
Plant flowers
Use your library * Play together
Buy from local merchants
Share what you have
Help a lost dog
Take children to the park
Garden together
Support neighborhood schools
Fix it even if you didn't break it
Have pot lucks * Honor elders
Pick up litter * Read stories aloud
Dance in the street
Talk to the mail carrier
Listen to the birds * Put up a swing
Help carry something heavy
Barter for your goods
Start a tradition * Ask questions
Hire young people for odd jobs
Organize a block party
Bake extra and share
Ask for help when you need it
Open your shades * Sing together
Share your skills
Take back the night
Turn up the music
Turn down the music
Listen before you react to anger
Mediate a conflict
Seek to understand
Learn from new uncomfortable angles
Know that no one is silent though many are not heard
Work to change this

you can do something to make others feel different, which will make you feel different and hopefully better. however, in order to bring happiness to others, we have to feel happiness or contentment within ourselves. when i evaluate some of my worst days, i can immediately link my negative feelings with a change in my life that i was not happy about. living with awareness is knowing and understanding why we do and say the things that we do and say. trivial, but true. make a change to make you a happier person and it will have a "trickle effect." now that is being green. two reasons for me to make a difference...

and !!