Teenagers tend to get a bad rep. Oftentimes, they’re noisy, irritable and maybe even disrespectful. From an adult’s perspective, teens can be pretty hard to manage. However, the teenage years are actually a very valuable time in a person’s life. The teen’s brain is still developing, they’re on the cusp of adulthood and they’re trying to figure out their identity. Not to mention, middle and high school can be a tough place to find friends and feel accepted.

Teenagers have a lot to manage and not a lot of life experience to utilize, which can result in a bad attitude and frustrating relationships. All of this is exactly why teenagers need valuable adult relationships in their lives. They need someone they can look up to, feel connected with and know they can go to during difficult times. If you’re an adult trying to live a more altruistic life, one of the most valuable contributions you can make is supporting a teenager.

Teenagers are our future; by building them up and encouraging them—even if they’re not our own children—we can create a better future for generations to come. Still, how do you start? How can you establish a valuable relationship with a teenager? Today we dive into some ways to make a difference in a teen’s life.

1. Volunteer with school programs.

One of the easiest ways to make a difference in a teenager’s life is by volunteering through a school or afterschool program. Whether you help out as a coach for a sport team, take charge of a club or work with a nonprofit organization, you can connect with teenagers of all different backgrounds in your community. Programs like these are constantly looking for new volunteers, and oftentimes will even provide valuable resources to help you learn more about communicating with teenagers. Check in your community to see what programs are available through the school or through an organization and learn how you can get more involved.

2. Show up consistently.

How do you gain a teenager’s trust? Keep showing up. People—teens especially—value those relationships with those who are there for them, no matter what. If you find a worthwhile program that you want to volunteer with, don’t just make it a one-time thing. One-time volunteering doesn’t allow you to build any sustainable relationships. Instead, keep showing up consistently, so the teens can get to know you more and more. The more you show up, the more they will recognize you and feel comfortable opening up.

3. Give them food.

Honestly, who doesn’t love food? As Charles M. Schulz said, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Teens are no different—they go where the food is. And since teenagers often aren’t done growing yet, they need a lot of it. They also don’t have very much of their own money. When you spend time with teenagers, make them a home-cooked meal, take them out for fast food or even provide some snacks to really help build up a stable relationship. You’d be surprised how many teens will come for the free food, then stay for the conversation and bonding time.

4. Listen to them.

All of us want to know that someone out there hears us, including teens. Think about it—teens spend the majority of their day listening to adults tell them what to do. It’s no wonder they can feel frustrated sometimes; they don’t feel heard. The most valuable thing you can do to make a difference in a teenager’s life is simply to listen to them. Listening—true listening—is a gift. Listen to a teenager’s problems, struggles and joys in life without being quick to offer advice or condemn their choices. By opening up and really listening, you can truly be a meaningful person for teenagers to go to.

Teenagers are the future of our community. By investing in them, we invest in generations to come. Use these tips to get involved and make a difference in a teen’s life today.

She always picked you up when you fell down, held you close when you were sad and celebrated with you when you were joyful. As you grew up, she continued to be there whenever you needed her—good or bad. She’s your mother, and she means the absolute world to you.

Happy almost Mother’s Day! In case it slipped your mind, Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 13th. This special day is dedicated to all of the incredible mothers—and those who have embraced the role of mother—who love their children well and care for them every single day. Mother’s Day is all about thanking that special person in your life for taking care of you as you grew into who you are today.

But, what can you give your mother that truly shows her your appreciation? If you strive to live an altruistic lifestyle, there are plenty of gifts you can give your loved one on Mother’s Day that also give back to others in the community. Here are four ways to give back on Mother’s Day.

1. Buy flowers from a local florist.

Flowers are always the perfect Mother’s Day gift because they brighten her day and reflect the joy she brings to your own life. If you want to buy flowers for your mom this Mother’s Day, be sure to shop from a local florist or flower shop. Big chain stores might often be the easier alternative, but by shopping locally you can feel confident that your gift is going to help others in your community. Put food on the table for a family, show your support for small business and make conscious purchasing decisions by buying local flowers.

2. Shop fair trade jewelry.

If your mom loves jewelry, be sure to give her something extra sparkly this Mother’s Day! And don’t worry; you can still shop altruistically in the jewelry section. Check out local fair trade shops or search online for fair trade jewelry retailers. Fair trade products often employ men and women in developing countries or in poverty in the U.S., and ensure they are paid a living wage for their efforts. By buying fair trade, you can support another woman halfway around the world, who is able to send her children to school because of the opportunity making jewelry provided. Give your mom something shiny and charitable by surprising her with fair trade jewelry.

3. Give a newborn care package.

If there’s a new mom in your life who’s celebrating Mother’s Day herself for the very first time, show support for the new little baby by giving her a newborn care package. Make a package yourself with a variety of items the new mom and baby might need, or search online for organizations and businesses that already offer a care package. Some nonprofit organizations will also match your purchase by providing a mother in poverty with the resources she needs to care for her child. Do some research and design which works best for you to give to the new mother in your life.

4. Purchase from altruistic organizations.

Finally, no matter what you decide to give your mother or a mom in your life for Mother’s Day, live an altruistic lifestyle by supporting organizations that give back. Search for small businesses or nonprofits in your community, nationally or internationally that have a hand in helping others around them. When you purchase from altruistic organizations, you ensure that others around you can live more fulfilling and joyful lives. What better gift can you give the mother in your life than honoring her through providing to others?

Mother’s Day is only a few short days away, so start your gift shopping early with an altruistic lifestyle. Try out some of these gift ideas this week in order to surprise the mothers in your life with a gift that gives back.

If you’re a human being, then you have something positive you can contribute to the world. Chances are you have a talent worth sharing. As Arianna Huffington says, “Giving can be as simple as giving joy to others—sharing our talents and skills to help them tap into their own ability to experience wonder.” Whether it’s an uncanny ability to teach, shooting the perfect three-pointer shot in basketball or even a sincere knack at organizing your planner, your gifts and talents are the perfect way to help support those around you.

While it might seem simple to say talents can help others, actually identifying your talents and putting them to good use can be a little bit more difficult. So, what does using your talents really look like in action? Let’s explore how you can use your talents to help others in your community.

1. Consider what you’re good at.

The first step in using your talents is truthfully considering what they are. This might seem simple enough, but can sometimes feel awkward to “brag” about yourself. Nevertheless, take some time to genuinely consider your strengths.

Maybe you think about your qualities and characteristics, such as positivity, or actual skills, like graphic design, or even experiences you’ve had in the past, such as working with children. Consider what your talents are in a variety of areas, and then start to think about how you can use those talents in your community.

2. Think about what you enjoy.

Along with your talents comes things you genuinely enjoy. You might be very talented at something, but maybe don’t enjoy it very much. For instance, perhaps you’re a great teacher, but don’t love working with children. Or, you might really enjoy something, but might not be very talented at it. While this can be challenging at first, having a genuine passion for something can also help grow your skills in that area. Think about things you enjoy doing, causes you feel passionate about or types of people you like working with.

3. Ask those close to you.

If you struggle talking about yourself or thinking about your talents, ask those closest to you to give you some of their ideas. Family and close friends might even know you better than you do, and can help provide some insight into your talents. Ask them for their ideas, do a brainstorming activity or share your ideas with them and get any feedback they have. Who knows? Maybe you have a hidden talent you didn’t even realize.

4. Learn about needs in your community.

As you explore your own talents, learn about the needs within your community. You might be extremely talented in one area, but maybe organizations near you don’t have a need for that talent. Explore causes you care about and see what needs they have for volunteers or staff members to truly understand where your talents can support others.

5. Find a fit.

Finally, find a fit. Once you’ve identified your own talents and learned about the needs within the community, find a fit between you and an organization or cause you care about. See how you can get involved and how your talents can help others at the organization. If it’s a great match, continue giving back and using your talents to better the community around you.

Volunteering and serving doesn’t have to be challenging when you use your talents to support others. Identify your talents, ask for support and find an organization where you can use your strengths to give back. You might be surprised at just how much your talents can help others.

Kindness is a powerful tool, which, when used correctly, has an immense impact on the world. Even little steps of generosity go a long way in lifting spirits and building an altruistic community.

One famous way of showing generosity is by “paying it forward”— doing something generous for another without any intention of reciprocation. This Friday, April 28th, marks the annual celebration of International Pay It Forward Day. According to their website, Pay It Forward Day “… is a global initiative that exists to make a difference by creating a huge ripple of kindness felt across the world.” Paying it forward is a way to spread goodness into the world. If you want to get involved this International Pay It Forward Day, check out these ways to pay it forward.

1. Give someone a ride.

Tried and true, car rides are the way to a friend’s heart. Pay it forward this week by offering a ride to someone in need.

2. Buy a friend a meal.

Celebrate Pay It Forward Day by going out to eat with a friend and buying his or her meal. It’s a win-win situation: you get a delicious meal; they get a free meal.

3. Pay for someone’s coffee.

Everyone loves a good cup of coffee, and this is a simple way to pay it forward. Next time you’re standing in line at the shop, offer to pay for the coffee of the person behind you.

4. Pre-order a stranger’s gas.

Sometimes gas can make a world of difference for a struggling individual or family, especially now. If you’re at the pump, talk to the cashier about putting money toward the upcoming person’s gas—a surprise that may mean more than you could know.

5. Leave a warm fuzzy.

If you’re short on cash this time of year, leave a warm fuzzy note for a friend, family or even a stranger, because you never know how badly someone needs to hear they’re appreciated.

6. Make a homemade present.

If you want to keep costs low but still give a gift, make something homemade you can pass along to pay it forward. Everyone knows homemade comes from the heart.

7. Help someone out.

Next time someone is struggling, be the first to step up and volunteer to help out. Whether it’s moving a couch, babysitting or just being a shoulder to cry on, your support is valuable.

8. Tell others.

You can share the value and importance of Pay It Forward Day by telling others about the initiative and the impact it has. When you do pay it forward, make sure the recipient knows why you did it, and encourage them to pass the generosity along.

9. Volunteer in the community.

There’s always a need in the community, and you can pay it forward this year by volunteering to give back. Clean up a garden, help at a shelter or just be there to fill a need.

10. Donate to a cause.

Finally, keep paying it forward by donating to a cause or organization you care about this week. Give back and you’ll know that your contribution paid it forward for others struggling.

This International Pay It Forward Day, spread kindness and live an altruistic lifestyle by giving generously to those around you. When the cycle is started, we can all get involved, and continue to show love and goodness to others.

Earth Day is this Saturday, April 22, 2023! Since 1970, Earth Day has existed as a global event recognized by more than 192 countries who are committed to caring for the future of our planet. Today is dedicated to our beautiful Earth: celebrating it, enjoying it and of course, considering ways to protect it.

It’s no secret that the environment matters. However, if you’re just one person, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by how much there is to do. How can one individual make a difference in such a big world? Turns out, even the smallest steps can have an impact. This Earth Day, consider your ecological footprint and enact these seven green ways to embrace today.

1. Read more.

The first step toward celebrating Earth Day is learning more about it. Now is the perfect opportunity to read more about the environment and how you can get involved. Set aside time to research the current issues affecting our environment and discover ways you can join in to make a difference.

2. Join a group.

Most communities and neighborhoods have a local group focused on environmental protection in your area. If you want to learn more and get involved on Earth Day, then consider joining a regional environmental group. Participate in clean-ups, fight pollution and help plant trees and gardens to support life in your area.

3. Plant a tree.

Since Earth Day roughly coincides with Arbor Day (April 26), now is the ideal time to plant a tree close to your home. Trees help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean pollution and keep soil in place to prevent erosion. They literally support life on Earth. Plant a tree you love that can grow in your environment, and see how it thrives for more Earth Days to come.

4. Welcome animals.

In an effort to get the perfect lawn, many homeowners drive out insects and wildlife, but animals need homes, too. Instead, consider ways that you can welcome animals into your yard. For instance, leave a section of your lawn unmowed, for bees, butterflies and insects to enjoy. Or, set out a bird, squirrel or hummingbird feeder for wild visitors to stop by.

5. Choose local sources.

Locally-grown food tends to have smaller environmental impacts than big, national or international brands. For example, local food doesn’t require as much gas to arrive at your hometown grocery store. This Earth Day, you can support local businesses and the environment by buying food from local farmers markets, grocery stores and farms.

6. Start a garden.

Of course, one of the best ways to source your food is from your very own garden. If you have the resources, time and space, consider planting your own vegetable or fruit garden. If you can’t plant your own, then get involved with a community garden in your area. Soon enough, you’ll have fruits and vegetables to spare come summertime.

7. Reduce waste.

Before you even need to recycle, look for ways you can reduce consumption and avoid items with lots of packaging. For example, use a cloth shopping bag, take an aluminum water bottle with you and shop at gently-used clothing stores. Reducing usage from the very beginning diminishes the need for recycling, which uses energy.

This Earth Day, you can start habits that will have a long-lasting impression on the planet for generations to come. Even as one person, simple changes can make a world of difference. Keep these tips in mind as you celebrate Earth Day today and every day.

So, you have a passion for helping others. You’ve heard about struggles locally, nationally and even internationally, and you want to make a difference. You want to get involved with a cause, but there’s just one small problem… you’re not sure which cause to get involved in.

After all, there are so many wonderful organizations, charities and programs out there, all working towards making the world a better place. You would love to help all of them, but you don’t have a ton of time on your hands. Does this sound like you? An eager volunteer without a cause. For some, finding an important cause they’re passionate about proves to be very difficult. If you want to live a more altruistic life, but aren’t sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to find a cause you care about.

1. Question yourself.

First, find a cause you care about by asking yourself the hard questions. It’s easy to look at various causes and immediately feel overwhelmed by the different needs, so start out by questioning your motives. What do you truly care about? Many programs in the community need volunteers, but more than anything they need passionate volunteers and donors who truly care about the cause and believe in the mission. Start by asking yourself the tough questions to see where your passion lies, not simply where the need is.

2. Think about your own life.

While you question yourself, think about your own life. What experiences have you had that inspire you to give back in a similar way? Maybe you had a mentor growing up who really inspired you; you could also be a mentor to a child in your community. Maybe your family immigrated here, so now you have a special connection with immigrants or refugees. Or, maybe you had some tough challenges growing up, and want to help those going through similar situations. Reflect on your life to see where your heart connects with a cause.

3. Consider your strengths.

Next, consider your strengths. Volunteers are always valuable, but let’s be honest: there are some things we’re better at than others. For instance, if you have an intense fear of public speaking, then teaching English classes at the community center might not be the best fit. Think about what your strengths are and what organizations have programs in place that could utilize those strengths.

4. Examine your capacity.

Once you’ve identified your strengths, think about your capacity. This could mean anything from available time, to your actual mental or emotional capacity. Depending on the organization and the role you fill, it might take a lot out of you mentally or emotionally. Do you have the capacity to make the commitment to fill the role? On the other hand, some volunteering commitments can take up a significant amount of time. Do you have the availability for the position? Think about the many areas of your capacity and what you’re capable of taking on right now.

5. Do your research.

Once you’ve considered your own life and discovered a cause you care about, it’s time to find the right organization that fits your passion! Do your research on organizations locally, statewide or nationally to learn more about programs you could get involved with. Research their mission, programs and available volunteer opportunities to see how they could fit into your life. Researching the organization beforehand is critical to finding the right volunteering fit.

Now that you know the cause you care about and the organization you want to help, reach out! Get in touch with a nonprofit you identify with and see how you can get involved to help make the world a better place.

Whether it’s positive or negative, stress has a profound way of seeping into our lives. While a little bit of stress might not make a huge impact, constant stress over a long period of time can have a significant effect on your health. In fact, stress has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, appetite and even heart disease.

According to BioIQ, 77% of Americans experience physical symptoms as a result of stress. Additionally, 33% state they are living with extreme stress, while 48% blame stress for negatively impacting their personal and professional lives. No matter how you look at it, stress plays a major role in our lives.

Because of this, the month of April has been recognized as National Stress Awareness Month since 1992. This month aims to increase awareness about stress, its negative effects and how to relieve it. If you’re experiencing stress, keep these ideas in mind for how to relax.

1. Meditate.

This might seem confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Meditation simply refers to the practice of slowing down and breathing deeply from your stomach. Take a short amount of time every day to calm your body and clear your mind. Focus on centering your thoughts on your breathing. Meditation has enormous benefits for reducing stress, and has even been linked to lessening the risk of heart disease. If sitting still is difficult, try including yoga or walking in your meditation practice.

2. Unplug.

Nowadays, it’s practically impossible to get away from the constant stream of information, advertisements and media impacting our brains. All of this input can significantly affect our stress levels. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed by negative news, or feel the need to immediately respond to work emails or want to compare yourself to others on social media. Instead, take at least 10 to 15 minutes per day to unplug and be away from technology. Your stress levels will vastly reduce.

3. Sleep.

There’s a reason sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture. A lack of sleep can increase anxiety and depression, making it difficult to deal with stressful situations. If you feel continually stressed, check your sleeping schedule. Chances are things are pretty irregular. To establish a healthy sleeping routine, turn off all of your electronics at least 30 minutes before bed. Then, review your nighttime ritual, such as reading or meditating. This signals your brain that it’s time to relax and prepare for a restful night of sleep.

4. Exercise.

Not only is exercise good for your physical health, but it can also benefit your mental health. Exercising gives you an outlet to relieve stress. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, jogging and swimming have proven to be especially effective at reducing stress levels. To avoid stress from the beginning, aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, five days a week.

5. Eat.

Even your diet can impact how your body absorbs and responds to stressful situations. Eating fresh, whole foods can keep your body energized and well-fueled, so you can respond to stress naturally. On the other hand, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine tend to amplify stress, interfere with sleep and worse the effects on your body. If you want to reduce stress in your life, investigate the foods and drinks you consume.

6. Ask.

Ultimately, if you find yourself constantly stressed without any apparent solution, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lots of people experience stress, so there is no shame in recognizing a need for support. Talk with your friends and family about your experiences, or seek out guidance from a professional counselor. Not only will he or she provide a listening ear, but they will also have personal insight to help you better combat stress.

At one point or another, all of us experience stress. This is why April is dedicated as Stress Awareness Month. This month, take time to focus on any stress you experience and consider how best to reduce it. Not only will you feel healthier mentally and physically, but your life will be impacted for the better.

At times, it can be difficult to think of ways to give back to others. You want to make a difference, but how? Do you volunteer at another organization? Add more money to your donation? The options can feel endless… and overwhelming.

If you strive to live an altruistic lifestyle, there are lots of ways to serve others, and most of them don’t have to be grandiose or extravagant. They’re simply conscious, selfless decisions during day-to-day activities. Even a small gesture can have a huge influence on the people around you. To give a few ideas, here are easy things you can do to brighten someone’s day.

1. Share a compliment.

Compliments go a long way towards brightening someone’s day. Even a simple accolade, such as, “Your hair looks nice,” or, “You have such a fun personality” can change someone’s entire perspective for the day. If you notice something you like about a person, take the time to share it with them.

2. Pick up extra chores.

For your friends, family members or roommates, offer to pick up extra chores around the house. If you notice dirty dishes in the sink, clean them. Or, if you see that someone’s laundry is still in the dryer, offer to fold it. Chores can be exhausting, so taking something off someone’s plate can really make a difference.

3. Pay the bill.

Whether you’re out with loved ones or standing in line at a restaurant filled with strangers, cheer someone up by paying the bill. This doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive; even receiving a small meal for free is exciting. Spend a little money and go the extra mile to perk someone up.

4. Leave kind notes.

Similar to a compliment, but in note form! When was the last time you received a kind note—particularly a note from a stranger? See if you can leave a kind note for your loved one, or even someone random. For example, leave a sticky note on a public bathroom mirror for the next person to find.

5. Say thank you.

Gratitude makes a huge difference in someone’s day. If there’s a person in your life who helps you, supports you or who has made a difference, take a moment to simply say thank you. Send them a message, call or go for the handwritten note. Tell them the impact they’ve had and thank them for everything they’ve done.

6. Start a conversation.

Sometimes the best conversations are those random ones you experience with strangers in random places. Take a chance and step outside your comfort zone to start a conversation with someone new today. Who knows? You could be exactly what that person needed to brighten their day.

7. Give unexpected gifts.

We expect gifts on our birthdays and holidays, but what about all of the miscellaneous days in between? Make a difference in someone’s life by surprising them with a small, unexpected gift. This can be for your closest family member, the teacher at your school or even the barista you regularly see at the coffee shop.

Altruism means more than volunteering at a nonprofit or donating money. While these things matter, there are also lots of little activities you can do daily to make a difference. Consider these ideas and see how you can put them into action to brighten someone’s day.

In today’s fast-paced and technological world, people from different backgrounds, ethnicities and languages are interacting now more than ever before. What used to take weeks to communicate via letter can now be accomplished in mere minutes through a text message.

This means if you want to keep up with the world today, learning another language could be a great first step. Not only can learning a second language have a multitude of personal benefits in your life, but it can also have a profound impact on your relationships with the people around you. There’s no doubt about it: If you want to live a more knowledgeable, cultural and altruistic lifestyle, then learning another language has big benefits in store.

1. Boost Brain Power

You might already know this, but learning another language significantly boosts brain power. A language has a completely new set of intricate rules, systems and lexis. Navigating these structures makes your brain cope with complexity and absorb new patterns. As you continue to grow in the language and endeavor to communicate, you develop key learning skills such as cognitive thinking and problem-solving.

2. Improve Memory

Your brain is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it will be. Learning a language not only requires you to become familiar with rules and vocabulary, but it also makes you work harder to remember that knowledge and apply it on the spot. This might be why studies have shown bilingual people to be better at remembering shopping lists, names and directions. While you workout your brain, your memory grows stronger, too.

3. Build Multitasking Skills

Studying a second language requires your brain to switch back and forth between two systems of speech, writing and structure. You constantly open one filing cabinet, then the other, then back again. One study from Pennsylvania State University determined this “juggling” skill makes bilingual speakers excellent multitaskers, because they can easily switch between structures. As you learn a new language, you might discover your multitasking skills improve.

4. Impress Employers

If there’s one way to get ahead in the job market, it’s learning another language. Bilingual employees are in hot demand because of their ability to communicate with multiple job markets. Bilingualism is a valuable skill set employers look for, so by learning a second language, you can significantly increase your chance of getting a call back. Not to mention, learning a new language shows your dedication and motivation to develop new skills.

5. Gain a New Perspective

By learning a second language, you have more opportunities to absorb content from new sources. For instance, travel to a country that speaks the language and practice. Or, watch television shows and read books in the language. Or, check in your community to meet neighbors near you who speak the language. All of these interactions allow you to gain new and different perspectives on life, which can strengthen your emotional wellbeing.

6. Meet More People

When you speak a second language, you have the opportunity to meet even more people! Get to know those around you who speak the language, volunteer with an organization that prioritizes the language, help native speakers learn your language… the list goes on. By learning another language, you broaden the scope of the people you can meet and positively influence. This provides opportunities to live a more altruistic life.

There are a multitude of both personal and relational benefits which come alongside learning a second language. If you’ve ever considered learning another language, keep these benefits in mind as you dive into the world of possibilities.

Anne Frank once said, “I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” During an incredibly difficult time in her life and within the world, Anne Frank turned to journaling to channel her thoughts and process through her surroundings. As she wrote, her circumstances didn’t change, but her view on life certainly did.

Needless to say, journaling can have a profound impact on our lives. The simple act of slowing down, taking pen to paper and using valuable time to write can benefit our mental, emotional and even spiritual well being. If you strive to live a good life in all areas, journaling might be the next step to consider. Take a look at simple ways journaling can improve your life.

Reflect on Life

In today’s busy world, life moves pretty quickly, and we often take little time to actually sit back and consider how things have changed. Before long, we feel overwhelmed because we didn’t take the time to process as things moved. However, journaling forces you to slow down and truly reflect on life—what happened the last few days that you want to think about? How are things going? This time spent working through your thoughts can significantly strengthen your emotional and mental health.

Process Emotions

As you reflect on life in your journal, you have a chance to process the emotions you felt. Emotions are incredibly powerful and subjective. They can cause us to make wonderful decisions, or terrible ones. While emotions are very valuable, they should also be handled with caution. Journaling gives you time to consider your emotions from more of a “third party” perspective. Rather than feeling everything in a single moment, you can walk through them, find the source and decide where to go from there.

Explore New Ideas

As you journal, you also have the chance to explore new thoughts and ideas that pop into your head. For instance, have you ever had an idea, then thought, “Wow, I should write that down so I don’t forget.” Well, you can with a journal! Sit for awhile and allow thoughts to come to you as you explore new ideas for your personal life, problem solving or even business ventures. When it comes to journaling, the world is your oyster.

Consider Other Perspectives

The act of slowing down and dealing with your emotions, thoughts and perceptions can actually encourage you to consider other perspectives, as well. For instance, if you and your family member have an argument, journaling about it could actually give you the chance to think what their side might be. Some journaling activities even have entire prompts focused on writing from another person’s perspective, which forces you to step out of your comfort zone and look at the world from an entirely new angle.

Establish Goals

Finally, as you journal over time, you have the opportunity to establish long-term goals, track them and then see how you accomplish them. Goal-setting is a great way to identify your dreams in life and then work toward achieving them. Very few goals are accomplished if you don’t write them down. By journaling, you can dream as big as you want to, then track what your goals are and how you hope to get there. Over time, you can look back on past journals and see what goals you have accomplished.

Like Anne Frank said, writing can erase your sorrows and inspire your courage. If you want to improve your mental, emotional and spiritual well being, consider taking up journaling. You might be surprised at how much your life can grow simply by writing.