Last December, Susan decided to do something different with her holiday break. Instead of spending it entirely at home, binging movies and devouring fried rice and chicken, she signed up to volunteer at a local orphanage. By the end of the week, Susan realized she had gained much more than she had given. Watching the children laugh as they decorated the Christmas tree and seeing the joy on their faces when they received gifts filled her heart in a way no material gift could.
The holidays are often a time of abundance—food, gifts, parties, and endless shopping. While these traditions bring joy, the true spirit of the season lies in giving back. Volunteering during the holidays is a way to step outside our comfort zones, connect with others, and create memories that outshine any material gift.
The holiday season can be stressful and overwhelming, but volunteering offers a way to refocus on what truly matters – human connection, kindness, and gratitude. Helping others not only uplifts their spirits but also gives them a renewed sense of purpose.
For instance, Esther, a young professional, spent her Christmas delivering food packs to underserved communities in Lagos. While she initially thought she was just “helping out,” she left with a deeper appreciation for her blessings and the beauty of selfless giving.
Volunteering shifts your perspective, helping you see the world and your role in it in a more meaningful way. Whether you are introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, there is a way for everyone to give back. Visit shelters or orphanages. Bring small gifts or spend time with those in need. Organise a community clean up. Start the new year with a cleaner, brighter neighbourhood. Offer your skills. Are you a good writer, designer, or teacher? Please volunteer to help organizations with their needs. Cook and share meals. Collaborate with friends or family to feed people in need.
Research shows that acts of kindness, like volunteering, release “feel-good” hormones, reducing stress and increasing happiness. Beyond the science, the memories and connections you build with others stay with you for years.
Imagine starting the new year knowing that you made someone’s holidays brighter. No amount of shopping can replicate this feeling.
Call to Action: Join Us at Proudtobeme
At Proudtobeme, we believe in the power of giving. This holiday season, join us as we organize volunteering opportunities that bring hope and joy to those in need. Whether it’s your time, resources, or skills, every little effort makes a difference. Visit our website to learn how you can get involved today!
End-of-Year Reflections: How to Celebrate Your Wins and Learn from Challenges
As the clock ticked closer to midnight on December 31st, Sam couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The year had been far from perfect, his business hit a rough patch, and some personal goals remained unchecked. Yet, as he journaled his thoughts, he began to realize how far he had come. Despite the struggles, there were so many moments of growth, joy, and resilience. By the time the fireworks lit up the sky, Sam had decided to walk into the new year with gratitude and renewed determination.
The end of the year is a perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. While it is tempting to focus on all the goals you didn’t achieve, it is equally important to celebrate your wins and learn from the challenges. Here’s how you can end the year with a clear mind and a full heart.
Often, we think achievements need to be grand to be celebrated, but that’s far from true. Did you show up for yourself? Did you take small steps toward a goal? Those are wins too!
Take Charis, for example. He did not hit his savings target this year, but he managed to pay off a major debt. Reflecting on this achievement reminded him of how far he had come and gave him the confidence to take on new financial goals. Write down your wins, no matter how small. Seeing them on paper can be a powerful motivator.
Challenges are not failures; they are lessons in disguise. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, ask yourself:
- What did I learn from this experience?
- How can I approach things differently next year?
For instance, when Bola’s job application was rejected repeatedly, she realized she needed to improve her interview skills. By reflecting on the feedback she received, she landed her dream role by the end of the year.
Reflection is not just about looking back; it is also about planning forward. Use what you’ve learned to set realistic, actionable goals for the new year. Focus on progress, not perfection. Choose one word to define your new year like “growth,” “joy,” or “balance.” Let that word guide your decisions and mindset.
Call to Action: Reflect and Grow with Proudtobeme
At Proudtobeme, we understand the power of self-reflection and growth. This year, let us help you celebrate your wins and navigate your challenges. Sign up for our development programs and workshops to make 2025 your best year yet. Visit our website at www.proudtobeme.org to learn more!
The holiday season is a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you’re giving back through volunteering or reflecting on the year gone by, remember this: every effort you make, no matter how small, shapes a better future.
So, as you wrap up this year, take a moment to celebrate yourself. You’ve come so far, and the best is yet to come!