WeekendinFEATURE
WeekendinFEATURE
It is only normal for us to get caught up in our own lives. Food
needs to be put on the table, and our children vie for our attention
at every chance they get. At the end of a gruelling day, we want
nothing more than to relax or treat ourselves to something indulgent. But one of the best ways to rejuvenate yourself or simply to
feel happy, is to do an act of kindness for someone else.
When helping someone out, it gives you a sense of satisfaction
and accomplishment, especially when you realise that you have
made a difference in that person’s life. Even if it is as small as uttering a word of encouragement, an act of kindness can spark off
a chain of events that you never even saw coming. It can change
someone else’s outlook on life to a more positive one or better yet,
spur others to do the same.
Random act of kindness
Something to Do
Encourage someone
Every once in a while, we all need a level of assurance and positivity by
someone close to us. Even a simple gesture such as thanking a person for
being there can brighten another person’s mood and day. You can start
encouraging someone in the form of gifts, hugs, or just through positive
words on one of the many social networking sites. By encouraging someone, it can boost their self esteem and confidence, and can even strengthen your relationship with each other.
Write a letter
People from all walks of life will definitely have their moments of lonel iness and self-doubt. The perfect remedy for this is a handwritten letter.
In a world where information can be transmitted within seconds across
the globe - there’s nothing quite like receiving a piece of paper filled with
words of encouragement, painstakingly hand-written by the sender. The
dying art of the letter shows that effort was put into this action, and reaffirms the person that they are worth your time and energy.
Give generous compliments
Travelling to your destination on public transport can be an awkwardly silent experience when you are surrounded by strangers. However, instead
of looking down on the floorboard, muster some courage and give the
person next to you a compliment. Not only will he or she feel good at this
pleasant surprise, but you might even receive a compliment back and this
might serve as an ice breaker for a much longer conversation.
Smile at others
There are many reasons to smile each day. A meaningful and sincere smile
has a message of its own and people can often tell when it is coming from
a genuine place. Smiling at others lightens their spirit and leaves a lasting
impression of you to others. It is believed that smiling is contagious and
just the act of smiling makes one feel happier, so this is the perfect way to
spread the joy for everyone including yourself!
Always practice good manners in public
Good manners come with practice and the willingness to learn. Being
polite is one of the most important practises in any civilised society, as it
shows that you have mutual respect for those around you. There are a few
ways to practice good manners such as not littering, not using offensive
language, or offering your seat to those who need it. Such acts may seem
small, but it could serve to be a memorable moment for those on the receiving end.
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Helping out others also allows you to explore the little things in
life that you may previously have been blind to. You will learn to
appreciate what you have, and also be inspired by people who
overcome difficulties on a daily basis. Surrounding yourself with
people who also carry out such acts of kindness can serve as a
constant reminder that there is some good in the world, and that
there is beauty and hope even in the darkest of moments.
Organisations to help
Singapore Council of Women Organisation (SCWO)
This organisation was set up to help women with various accounts. They
are well known for services such as providing temporary refuge and aid to
those who are poor, require IT skills, legal consultations and assist women
who are unable to afford basic legal advices. You can help these women
by showing care and concern or even giving encouragement and advice
to help them stay strong. Volunteers are always welcome to join them and
lend a helping hand to a unity of women. The next step to volunteering
is to identify your strengths and join specific sectors of the organisation.
All information can be found on their personalised website. - www.scwo.
org.sg
Children Cancer Foundation (CCF)
This is a non-profit organisation that aims to improve the lives of cancer
children and their families by providing support to help them battle this
life-threatening illness. To help ease them through the process and to give
them things to look forward to in life, many classes and activities are organised by the foundation to teach them basic social skills and knowledge
that can be applied as they grow up. There are many aspects of volunteering such as tutoring or even just spending quality time with them. - www.
ccf.org.sg
Society for the Physically Disabled
This organisation works hand in hand with people who are disabled, and
helps them reach their fullest potential so that they can become self reliant and independent. Patience is the key to helping them improve their
condition. The organisation’s vision is to create an inclusive community,
whereby everyone can play a part in helping the young and old who have
disabilities. - www.spd.org.sg
The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADEAF)
The SADEAF is an organisation under the National Council of social services and is affiliated with many other government organisations in Singapore. They believe that with care, patience and moral support, the hearing
impaired can learn life-changing skills and hence contribute to society.
You can help the association by joining as a volunteer or by simply creating public awareness about their efforts. - www.sadeaf.org.sg
The Breadline Group
Many people face financial difficulties because of the growth of urbanisation. Through the help of this organisation, besides assisting the old and
needy, many volunteers pay monthly visits to families ‘adopted’ by the organisation. This is to ensure that they are able to cope with changes while
offering moral support to encourage them. You can touch lives by visiting
families who are facing their darkest hour and require as much support as
possible. - www.breadlinegroup.org.sg
Down Syndrome Association Singapore
This association aims to to create awareness and to educate the public
about Down Syndrome. Volunteers get together to help Down Syndrome
individuals reach their greatest potential, by teaching them skills that help
them make an impact on society at large. Applicants with a joyful and
enthusiastic personality should not hesitate to apply and be a volunteer.
www.downsyndrome-singapore.org
Handicaps Welfare Association
Many services have been created and are in need of volunteers who are
sincere and passionate to help those who are in need. With services such
as personal care, rehabilitation and social welfare, many patients have
improved tremendously with the love and support shown by volunteers.
Everyone can make a difference as long as you believe you can. Volunteers
express a form of ultimate motivation and cultivate positive thoughts to
people on their own accord. Thus every effort counts in lifting spirits and
brightening one’s day. One can help by organising events, making deliveries and participating in events with them. - www.hwa.org.sg
The Spastic Children’s Association Of Singapore
Cere bral Palsy Alliance Singapore
Cerebral Palsy is a description term for disorders that cause physical disability in human development, and usually occurs at the time of birth or at
a very young age. Many services and programmes have been introduced
to help children with cerebral palsy go through a pleasant childhood and
to also help them improve their speaking, reading and natural abilities.
Volunteers who have a passion for teaching young children can read up
more on their website. - www.spastic.org.sg
The Tabitha Foundation
This foundation was created to specifically help the underprivileged
people in Cambodia who are in need of basic necessities such as food,
drinking water and shelter. Volunteers can help these people by building
houses, schools, wells and ponds. You can also help by the simple act of
purchasing pigs and silk; two resources that are a great source of income
for residents there. All donations go directly to Tabitha Cambodia, which
takes great effort to fight the battle of poverty. - www.tabithasingapore.
com
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