The other day I found myself in a slump. I find myself consistently sad and unsatisfied. I am single and when I search through countless profiles on dating apps questions like “Will I like them?”; “Will they be good for me?”; and “Will it be convenient to date them?” run through my mind. I am always looking for the next item for me to splurge on. Me, me, me. I have realized that no matter how much I cater to myself — buy the things I crave and want — I am never quite satisfied, but if I take even the smallest of actions for another person, I feel great about myself. So I decided that I needed to wake up and realize that I cannot buy myself happiness but, by helping others, I can make them happy and hope that they feel loved.

Upon this realization, I decided to go to the internet and search ways to be more active in the community. For living in my town my whole life, one would think I would know where and how to volunteer or become a part of charitable organizations. But I do not, and I have a suspicion that others have no clue how to give back to their community either, so here is a short and encouraging list suggesting ways you can be active in your town or city. This list ranges from little acts of kindness to permanently leaving a print on the community.

1. Pick an Angel from the tree during Christmastime. Growing up my mom struggled to make ends meet no matter how diligently and how hard she worked. So Christmas was especially tough for her. Thanks to churches and their “trees” I was always able to have a Christmas any kid would love to have. Many churches in my community will have Christmas trees set up and on them would be little angels with names of children in need of new clothes as well as what toys they are hoping to get that year. The kindness of the strangers who have picked my angel in the past has not been forgotten, and I can guarantee it is worth it, even if you do not get to see the smile on the kid’s face.

2. Adopt a senior citizen. Becoming a friend to an elderly person is a blessing for both people involved. Other ways to help out are to get groceries or pick up things that an elderly person cannot get for themselves with ease. Besides just helping them out with chores and giving them a hand with errands, spending time with them and becoming their friend goes a long way. Not only will they be less lonely, but your life will be enriched by a person who has lived differently from you and has wisdom that you have yet to possess.

3. Help at local animal shelters. Trust me, it is worth it. I have volunteered at my local animal shelter and enjoyed every second of it. Ways you can help your local animal shelter can be small like collecting newspapers for them to use or pursuing people who might be interested in individual pets at the shelter. Also, while caring for these animals, you may find yourself ready to give one a loving home. Your home.

These are just small ways to be active in your community and make a difference, but they are a start. Whether it's a smile from a child, an old man, or a puppy, the happiness they have will radiate towards you.