Teens Giving Back: Why Giving is the Best Gift

I know receiving gifts is great. Who doesn’t love receiving something nice? However, in the past few years, I realized that doing things for others improves my self-esteem and gives me a glow that's even better than the one I get from my Drunk Elephant drops. I know that sounds impossible, but let me explain.

When a bone tumor left me out of school for months, and unable to play sports, I felt lonely and disconnected from my friends. My mom and my aunt encouraged me to give back to others. At first, I thought they were crazy. But my mom and aunt grew up with very little. They always say giving whatever they could to other people in need made them feel better. They explained that there is always someone struggling more than you. Helping them makes you feel grateful for the life you have. So, I decided to give it a try. At first, I helped my mom deliver food to people in need. It got me out of the house, and I felt better. When I returned to school, I challenged myself to find someone who looked lonely at lunch and introduce myself. I was nervous and afraid of being rejected, but I did it anyway. She smiled, and we talked. I left the table feeling better about myself than I did before. Next, I volunteered at a local soup kitchen, and I woke up early on the weekend to pack bags of food for people who couldn’t afford to buy groceries. My heart broke as I helped people carry their bags outside to the frozen shopping carts many used to push their food back home. They couldn’t afford a car. I began to see that I had a lot to be grateful for. I also noticed I felt less lonely and less sorry for myself. I also worried less about all my medical problems. Then I joined service-based clubs at school and volunteered more at my church. Next, I began fundraising for a charity that helps sick children. The more I helped others, the better I felt about everything.

My new favorite way to give back is to deliver dinner or dessert to local families who are going through a hard time. I drop it off with an anonymous note and hope it brightens their day. I think it makes people feel better just to know someone cares. How you give back doesn’t really matter. I started by donating food and doing a small act of kindness at my school. Sometimes, if someone’s mom or dad is very sick, I make sure to smile more and try to cheer them up. From there my giving back ideas grew. For me, getting started was the hardest part. But I'm glad I did it. I love fun challenges; they motivate me. So, I challenge you to find your own way to give back. Let me know if you agree that the glow you get is better than the kind you buy at the store.