Make Time to Make Memories

“Tis the season to...spend more time with those you love! Instead of sequestering yourselves in separate rooms watching television, playing video games, or browsing the Internet, call all family members into the same room and do something together. Play a board game, watch a movie, have everyone contribute to making dinner, then roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Or maybe chestnuts. Ho ho!

Make Time to Make Memories

“Tis the season to...spend more time with those you love! Instead of sequestering yourselves in separate rooms watching television, playing video games, or browsing the Internet, call all family members into the same room and do something together. Play a board game, watch a movie, have everyone contribute to making dinner, then roast marshmallows in the fireplace. Or maybe chestnuts. Ho ho!

Green Day

    If you are able to, walk or ride your bike to school, work, or wherever you need to go. By not using your car, you are helping to reduce greenhouse gases while burning some calories at the same time! You can also use public transit or carpool with a friend- this also gives you the golden opportunity to bond with your coworkers or get to know more about your friend.

Stories Are Not Just for Bedtime

    Read a child a story. Introducing children to the world of books while they’re young will help boost their imagination and intelligence (and will also strengthen your bond). Whether you are babysitting, reading to your own child, or volunteering at a library or hospital, this deed goes a long way.

Be a Good Citizen

    Rich Chin’s family lived in New York City, pretty far away from any large expanse of wilderness, but that didn’t get in his way. Rich shares his experiences that first made him see how he could be a good in the world: 

    The Outward Bound Youth at Risk Program really helped many troubled teens get back on the “good citizen” road. I was one of those Outward Bound instructors that volunteered to teach in this life-changing experiment for inner city kids in the late seventies and eighties. It changed my life as much as it did those kids. I saw firsthand that if so-called “bad kids” were given a chance to learn how to respect others as well as themselves, they could contribute very positively and be part of our bright future. 

    Kurt Hahn founded Outward Bound (Outward Bound.org) on this assumption: “In genuine service to the benefit of others, one best expresses on a day-to-day basis his reverence for life itself.”

Share Your Skills

     Teach someone a craft or skill you are good at. Sharing your talent with someone else may allow them to discover their own potential. Whether it's cooking, archery, or photography, spend some time doing what you love with another. Teaching people how to do something new will help you maintain your interest and establish a connection with the person you are with. No doubt you will learn just as much from being a teacher.