The Happiness Chronicles: Service Before Self

Hey, AUTHENTIC!

I'm a bit excited today because we are one step closer…to being AMERICA'S NEXT MODEL! Wait. I apologize. We are one step closer to officially having Barack Hussein Obama as our Commander-In-Chief! Yes We Can/Did/Will Do. However, as we learned every year in elementary school, the calendar is only big enough to include one Monday that is dedicated to one black man and his service and greatness and story. Greatness thy name is Martin Luther King, Jr. And this is where today's history lesson stops. Dr. King did wonders for America. And I am not uninterested in MLK 101, but it's been my experience that people remember and embrace and practice what you preach when that preaching can be enacted in a tangible way. Thus, how will we make change and create progress in our lives? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Obama both encourage a life of community service. Which brings us to our newest installment of "The Happiness Chronicles!"

[INSERT ROARING CROWD  & APPLAUSE HERE].

My ridiculousness aside, AUTHENTIC is dedicated to uplifting women of color and all of the wonder and greatness you possess. Happiness is but a reflection of your efforts made manifest in your works. Thus, community service is three fold: it yields purpose beyond ourselves, connects you to your community, and ultimately makes you (that's right!) HAPPY because of the sense of pride and progress you'll experience as you see your involvment grow and manifest change. And like my girl Kholi says, "There's no small change." At least that's how I think it goes.

With Obama Nation a day away, service is pivotal to aiding our new administration in succeeding and reviving our economy and strengthening the ties of diversity. For many of us who wish to/and do serve our community, the pressure to be part of something big can be overwhelming. Although starting at home may seem small, it is reasonable and more personal. You can really put your stamp on local projects by volunteering at local Boys & Girls clubs, YM/YWCA, Big Brother/BigSister, local nursing homes, youth book clubs, and even soup kitchens. You might even tell your friends to tell their friends about checking out AUTHENTIC and her various connects on Facebook, MySpace, and the Ning network. You may donate money to your causes, but in today's economic  climate,  finances may not be your first choice of service. I advocate volunteering your time before giving your dime.

Here are a few volunteer ideas that make a great difference with little to no charge to you. They may even make someone else happy…and that's the business we're in, at least for January.

1.smile at a stranger

2. hug a friend

3. pay a compliment to someone with whom you rarely speak

4. offer to clean an elder's front yard

5. spend some time with a local youth

Check out the video below. The First Lady in Chief Michelle Obama declares Monday, January 19, 2009, a day of service. Get involved. Get AUTHENTIC.