Be useful
You can’t go wrong by reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new book, “Be useful”. I found it interesting; and I suspect you will, too. Just consider his many accomplishments: Mr. Olympia, Mr. Universe, Hollywood movie star, California Governor and author.
In the book Arnie gives you seven tools for life. But I didn’t expect to see a long section on giving back; on helping out and being useful. He did it and we can, too. That includes my teenage kids. My son helped install Christmas lights in front of my building recently now that he is taller than his father; and my daughter often makes cakes for her friends. I sometimes volunteer on ivy and knotweed pulling events in public parks.
Landscape volunteers
The idea of giving back brings me to my landscaper buddy Derek. Last fall he volunteered to clean up a garden belonging to a ninety year old woman. Her run down garden was a source of stress for her but she didn’t have the money to hire people. So in stepped Derek with a few more volunteers. They weeded, cut out tree suckers and hand pruned.
Originally I wanted to join them and then write a blog post about the experience. Unfortunately, my work schedule didn’t allow for it. So I waited for Derek’s social media posts so I could poach his pictures.
The garden clean-up happened over two sessions and it was a success. The old lady was ecstatic when she saw her upgraded garden. Arnie would have been proud. I sure was.
Over to you
How can you give back and help out in the community? Arnie’s fame is a great advantage when it comes to giving back but we don’t have to go big. Not right away. Just pick a project that interests you and give it a go. Give back. Help out. Make someone’s day.
