Need a winter blahs pick-me-up? Volunteer!

It can be so hard to stay positive and energetic in the winter, especially if you work during the limited sunshine hours we have or, god forbid, you hate the snow! Over the last little bit I've also been feeling dragged down and grumpy, like many this time of year. But I've got the best cure for the winter blahs ever - giving back to my community.

Every Wednesday evening I answer the phones at the local country radio station for "Animal Rescue League Radio Bingo" (yes, you can play bingo by listening to the radio - technology huh?!). My part may not sound too glamorous but to our players out there in radio land it's a pretty exciting night, and that energy travels right through the phone. Not to mention the sense of satisfaction I get from knowing that I'm helping to fund the food, shelter and care of our community's homeless animals.

On Thursday I worked with the Urban Core Support Network's Policy Advisory Committee, working on our strategic plan for 2008. This committee is trying to affect positive change in social assistance policy in New Brunswick - right now we're trying to help people living on social assistance make a more satisfactory and permanent transition to the workforce through changes in legislation. I imagine that would sound awefully boring to many people, but when you start thinking about how that could make the lives of thousands of people better it quickly becomes more exciting than any movie I've seen lately. A much more fun and productive way to spend two hours if you ask me.

Over the course of the weekend I went to the animal shelter to start working with a dog who had been there for over six months. As you'd expect, he was starting to show some behavioural problems that might prevent him from ever being adopted. Now I've met some great people in my life but with all due respect to my human friends, not one of you can make me feel as elated as a troubled dog when he makes a breakthrough and gives me a goofy grin!

In between all of these little experiences of course life goes on. But I think when we spend any amount of time focusing on something other than, or bigger than, ourselves the day-to-day routine feels... well less routine. And the minor frustrations that can sometimes threaten your sanity slip back into that state of nothing more than minor.

So if you're feeling a bit down or bored, call your favourite charity and ask them how you can help. Or if you don't have a favourite, visit the Saint John Volunteer Centre and get matched up with one. Or do something nice for someone or something else. It sounds cliche but if you ask me it really is the best way to bring your smile back!