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Beat the Blues


Beat the Blues 

Many of us dream of attaining a simpler lifestyle and it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed in today’s world, but one sure way to break the blues is to make someone else's life a little brighter.

Do you have a relative or neighbour that finds it difficult to wrap gifts? Help them with the task or purchase some reusable gift bags and boxes for them to use. Go a step further and volunteer around the community, if only for an afternoon; check with the local volunteer office if you are looking for places that need a hand.

If you can’t find a resource for volunteers – make one. We created a page of non-profits in our area for volunteer enthusiasts, people with a little to donate, and for the non-profits to network with one another. You can find it here: https://consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com/p/creston-bc-orgs.html

Families now are going back to earlier traditions of making gifts by hand rather than buying them (plates of goodies, crafts, art, dried arrangements, dehydrated tomatoes or fruits, jars filled with dried herbs or preserves made from their gardens, home-made frozen lasagne, etc.). Some are making the most of family fun during the holidays by creating treasure hunts (as opposed to wrapping the gifts) thus reducing some waste. Others are taking on eco and environmental friendly themes in their holiday gift giving by choosing gifts that can benefit the planet.

Occasionally look through your closets, pantries, library shelves and storage areas for things that have not been used in the last couple of years or items you longer wish to own. Choose one section of the home at a time if you have a lot to go through. There’s no hurry – one closet, one shelf, one drawer at a time. Donate these items to the less fortunate through food kitchens, shelters for the homeless and women's support centres. Send books to the library and literacy programs - and don't forget to drop off items to thrift stores that raise funds for charities or hospitals.

Alternatively, raise funds for a charity by selling your unwanted items through your local FaceBook buy/sell group. Another way to easily raise funds is to take the family, or a friend, and head down to some area of town that you noticed had garbage along the roadside. Make sure it is safe to do this of course (take a few bags with you – so you can separate the trash from returnables as you go) and begin cleaning on one side and then crossing over to work your way back to your vehicle. Taking all the bottles and cans in to the depot can really add up.

If you have a few dollars to spare, even $20 would do, take the family down to the local grocery or pet shop and try to get as many healthy, sustainably produced items as you can for that money. Go down as a group and donate to a food bank or animal shelter. If you can, try to purchase one item per family member as a donation every time you go shopping. Even one item donated once a week can make a world of difference to those in need.

Some families have taken on the task of repairing broken toys and bicycles purchased at garage sales and thrift shops, which they then donate or sell back into the community. Perhaps you have a talent like this that you can use to benefit others.

Creative ideas like these are guaranteed to eliminate the blues. They are responsible for more vitality, adventure and kindness - and they create memories and legacies that will last beyond our lifetime. Family and friends witnessing what you are doing will become inspired to be more involved in the community. These activities get us out of our depressing routines, out of the house, and into some fresh air. Organizing and downsizing our belongings has a profound impact on how our home or office feels to us. Meanwhile, and most importantly, we are able to make a measurable difference in our community.


Dave and Lillian Brummet invite you to check out their blog, bookstore, and music store. Learn about the drum studio’s hand drum workshops and drums and accessories for sale. Find inspiring tips, interviews, writer services and numerous helpful resources: www.brummetmedia.ca



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