To make the community I belong to a better place, I definitely need to actively contribute in all the ways that I can to improve it. Money helps, of course, but service is probably better. Still, at the core of either involvement is a person who feels the need to be a part of the community as well as its growth and development.
It’s all in the mindset. If you have a way of thinking that promotes self-love, peace with yourself, and propensity for joy no matter the circumstances, then you’ll likely turn into a person who cares and wants to spread goodwill. When you experience it yourself, you want to share it.
A great starting point is gratitude. What are some things you can tell yourself to condition your mind toward thankfulness that will then lead to positivity and generosity? Here are some uplifting quotes that may help:
“It is a serious thing, just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world.”
— Mary Oliver (American poet)
“I just don’t think I’m looking for the big moments in life anymore. It’s more the simple ones that make for a beautiful day now. Like the sun rising and the moon dancing and the wind singing and the leaves grooving, and kids laughing and music playing, butterflies twirling, heart-smiles staying … and me being present to witness all these little beautiful things. This is what makes for a happy and peaceful life, I’m sure.”
— S.C. Lourie (writer, artist, etc.)
“Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us and see the beauty in ordinary things.”
— Thomas Merton (American monk and writer)
“Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
— Charles Dickens (one of the greatest novelists in history)
“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.”
Camille Pissarro (Danish-French painter)
This Small Life 