Charitable work is overwhelming and exhausting, but it’s undeniably fulfilling at the same time. Being able to give back to a community that helps shape your life and future is a definitive way to address several issues we face in society. Building a sense of belonging through empathy will go a long way in creating healthy safety nets for people. Let’s look at how charity impacts the strength of a community. Creates a sense of fellowship Being involved in local activities and causes brings you closer to your community and creates a sense of security. These are your neighbors with whom you share a space, and wouldn’t it be nice to interact and evolve with them? Charity events are a good place to socialize with like-minded people, ensuring that some of your interests are similar and creating a solid groundwork for a cordial relationship. Utilized for specific causes Charities work toward solving specific problems in the community. These causes could be issues like justice for all genders, free education for all, and shelter for the homeless. If your community is struggling with an issue, there may be people working towards solving that problem. Helping a cause with several people is much better than just one person trying to make a difference. Societal upliftment While working with a charitable group, you will undoubtedly find the right people to connect with. Aligning your goals with theirs will help you uplift your community for the better! You all come with the same mindset and different skill sets, which can be extremely helpful. Charity in the form of donating your time and effort is also appreciated and not just money. Strengthens personal values Another way charity impacts the community is by strengthening the personal values of people who are getting involved. Empathy, compassion, and understanding are some of the most human traits that can strengthen community service and charity work.

As far as charity is concerned, people usually think of it in linear terms. Donations help those in need, and it’s normal to believe this is the only goal. But many people are unaware that there is so much more to the act of giving. Lending a helping hand is only one of many benefits of making charitable donations. Individuals who share their wealth may also have rewarding personal, emotional, and mental experiences. Helping those in need One of the biggest benefits of donating money is helping those in need. The world isn’t perfect or even fair, for that matter. What makes a difference is a surplus sharing with those who don’t have privileges to bank on. Providing a positive experience A National Institute of Health study found that people who chose to donate would activate the pleasure centers in their brains. While there is more research to be conducted to understand this link, sharing is an undeniably satisfying experience. Taxes are deductible Donating to charity also comes with the benefit of a tax deduction. If you’ve contributed to an IRS-approved non-profit organization, you’ll get a write-off on the donation sum while filing returns. Setting an example Donating to a local or international community allows you to set a good example for the youth in the community. After all, children do what they see. Making an impact Charities impact the community at large by uplifting those in need of help. Donations provide a better standard and quality of life, access to education, and even healthcare to improve the community’s standing. Making life more meaningful Contributing and sharing your wealth allows you to meet and mingle with other like-minded individuals. You get to share your passions and bring about a positive influence on the issues at hand. Helping everyone feel happy Spending your hard-earned money on yourself is thrilling, but sharing your wealth with others can also feel rewarding.

Many studies indicate that one of the reasons people indulge in charitable work is because it makes them feel good. Most people think that this need to give is a moral duty toward society and that there is a social conscience behind this act. What is this power of giving back, and how does one understand it? This article lists some benefits of the psychology behind this act of kindness. Promotes social connection A number of studies done by sociologists indicate that giving to others can have immense benefits. When you give to others, your generosity will mostly be rewarded at some point in time. You will be rewarded by the person you helped or someone else. These exchanges of goodwill strengthen human relations and promote cooperation. Furthermore, we make others feel closer to us when we help them. This results in an improved sense of interdependence among society at large. Improves mood A number of studies have linked giving back with improved mood in general. One report indicated that people who do more or give back constantly tend to be more happier. Being generous over a period of time has been known to reduce stress levels too. Moreover, giving can positively impact a person’s self-esteem. Improves one’s sense of gratitude Giving can invoke a sense of gratitude in people. This sense of gratitude is known to elicit feelings of happiness and joy amongst people. In addition to that, giving can create strong social bonds. In fact, further study on the subject concludes that cultivating gratitude in everyday life has the potential to increase personal happiness. Physical health benefits Besides gratitude and happiness, giving back can have a number of health benefits. You experience lower blood pressure and lower stress levels when you give back. There has also been evidence to indicate that our bodies secrete “feel good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine when we give.

Babies bring unimaginable joy and warmth into their parents’ lives. However, raising a baby is just as physically and emotionally draining as rewarding for parents, especially first-timers. All parents make certain  mistakes while caring for their babies, no matter how much time they dedicate to their precious bundle of happiness. There’s no shame in making errors during baby care if parents can correct them. Some common mistakes are listed below. Not letting the baby cry it out A common misconception many parents may have about infants, especially newborns, is that their crying translates to hunger, irritation, or pain. Parents tend to believe that their mistakes are making their baby cry. Babies cry because it is just what they do. A baby can be adequately fed and diapered, and they may still cry for no reason. When it comes to newborn babies, crying is a sign of breathing. However, if a baby cries continuously for an hour, then the parents will need to visit their local pediatrician to get them checked for a rash, a swollen belly, a fever, or other health conditions. However, by and large, a crying baby is not a sign of trouble. Ignoring oral care This oversight from parents can become problematic for their child’s oral health later on. Essentially, babies need as much dental and oral care as adults. Therefore, regularly wiping the baby’s gums with a soft cotton cloth after every meal is a must-do for parents. Also, parents must ensure their baby is routinely hydrated to keep their mouth and throat moist. Adjusting diapers too much or too little While putting on a diaper on a baby, the parent must fasten it properly. It is done to secure the diaper around the baby’s body. However, if the diaper is too tight, it will affect blood circulation in the baby’s body.

While several people participate in annual or bi-annual fundraising programs, it is not for everyone, especially for the people with no excess income. But that is not to say that such individuals cannot give back to society. If one is determined to help make a change, there are various ways to donate to charity. This can be via lending manpower, taking up service responsibility, etc. All you need is a little effort and some time. 6 non-monetary ways to donate to charity By being creative Are you a passionate baker? Or are you well versed in the art of sewing? Maybe knitting? What we are trying to say is you can put your skills to use for the greater good. You can find shelter homes, retirement communities, or schools that could use a little help with their community. Put together some of your creations and donate them to make their day a little brighter. By being active You can organize or participate in various marathons and triathlons to give back to people. Participate in events affiliated with or trying to raise funds for charities. If you look closely, you can find one happening at least every month in your city. By being helpful If monetary help is not something you can manage, be charitable with your time. Volunteer at soup kitchens or go to a public library and read to children. You can even volunteer at animal shelters and help them with cleaning and maintenance activities. Teaching kids from underprivileged communities is another way of being charitable on a daily basis. By donating old possessions Donating stuff that you have outgrown or don’t find useful anymore is one of the basic forms of charity. Sort different donation boxes for clothes, toys, shoes, and household items. If you are a traveler, you can even put together a box of hotel toiletries and donate it to the needy.

The thought of attending a concert or a festival is an exciting one. You can watch your favorite artist perform live, sing and dance to their music, and enjoy assorted food and drinks. However, whether this is a one-day or weekend-long event, there are several factors that one may overlook, including safety concerns. So if you have considered attending any such event, here are five tips for ensuring you’re safe throughout it. Attend with a group Thousands of people may attend a concert or a festival on any given day. So, it is quite easy to get lost in such a big crowd, even if you look away for just a minute. Therefore, it is advisable to attend the event with friends and stick together. If you must separate, then always let them know where you are in case of emergencies. Moreover, you should share your smartphone’s location with them (and vice versa) so that they can find you easily. Identify an exit route Despite the level of security at a festival or concert, several factors may trigger panic among the crowd. Therefore, you must identify more than one exit route in the block assigned to you. In case one is blocked, you can always use the other. You should also look for marked exits and occasionally check if those routes are available. Hydrate constantly Many events begin during the day when the sun is overhead. So while you might enjoy dancing to the tunes from a favorite band, the heat might lead to dehydration and possible collapse. To avoid such symptoms or accidents, you should drink plenty of water throughout the concert. Other ways to stay shielded from the sun include wearing sunglasses and a hat. You should also look for shaded areas where you can relax in between sets.

Before the advent of texting, emailing, or even calling, people used flowers to communicate. The language of flowers is known as floriography and was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even though communication has evolved in recent years, here’s how you can use flowers to say something special to your loved ones or to bring them a personalized gift. Check out this guide to find what your birth month flower type reveals about you: January: Carnation and Snowdrop Carnations are distinctly strong to bloom in winter and symbolize admiration, love, and distinction. Snowdrops are symbolic of hope and rebirth. February: Violet and Primrose While many associate roses with the month of love, violets, and primrose are the birth flowers for February. Violets symbolize modesty, faithfulness, and virtue, whereas primrose symbolizes young love. March: Daffodil Daffodils represent spring’s first month, symbolize unparalleled love, and are also associated with new beginnings, prosperity, and faithfulness. April: Daisy and Sweet Pea Daisies symbolize purity, true love, and innocence and are great for showcasing undying love. Sweet peas symbolize blissful pleasure and are known for their sweet fragrance. May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn Lily of the Valley signifies sweetness, humility, and motherhood and are great presents for your mother on her birthday or Mother’s Day. The hawthorn flower is a symbol of purity and uniqueness. June: Rose and Honeysuckle The beauty and sweetness of the rose can be used to symbolize a myriad of emotions, from passionate love (red) to friendship (yellow). Honeysuckles symbolize pure happiness and denote messages of sweetness and affection. July: Larkspur and Water Lily Larkspur generally symbolizes positivity and love, while water lilies represent purity and rebirth. August: Gladiolus and Poppy The gladiolus (or sword lily) is a symbol of strength, character, remembrance, and sincerity, and the poppy, too, represents remembrance and imagination.

The internet has made buying tickets for live concerts and shows convenient. However, people tend to make mistakes in this process, such as waiting until the last minute to book and using the wrong websites. These errors, coupled with ticketing scams littering the internet, can make ticket booking tricky. Keeping this in mind, we’ve listed a few blunders to avoid while purchasing live concert and show tickets for a wholesome experience. Not checking the fine print The fine print on a concert ticket can contain crucial details, such as the minimum age limit for attendees and the list of things not allowed inside the concert hall. Not meeting these requirements can deny you entry to the concert, leading to a waste of money. Besides checking the rules and regulations, spend a few minutes understanding the refund and return policies to prevent hassle in case of a cancellation. Falling for fake tickets Despite the enforcement of various regulative strategies, a few resellers resort to unfair practices when selling tickets. Sometimes, you may not receive a ticket despite completing the purchase process. It could be because the seller found a better deal and decided to drop you, or they hadn’t secured the promised passes in the first place. Numerous other scenarios could lead you to land up with a fake ticket. So, you must ensure the broker you’re purchasing from is a legitimate dealer, not someone who would run with your money. If you use third-party platforms for booking, visit trusted ones like Vivid Seats. This website offers multiple purchasing options with rewards and discount codes, making things easier for users. Last-minute bookings Concerts often sell out within a few days after bookings open, especially if the performer has a huge fan following. Booking your tickets only a week or two before the event would be a monumental mistake.

Disheartening as it is, child abuse and neglect is a rampant issues in the country. According to the CDC, 1 in 7 children experienced abuse and neglect last year. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the early warning signs of child neglect to tackle this problem at its roots. This can take more than one form and manifest as physical, emotional, educational, or medical neglect. Here are some early warning signs to watch out for: Poor appearance and hygiene This may include the child being smelly or dirty, hungry, not being given money for food, having unwashed clothes, having inappropriate clothing for the weather, or having frequent or untreated nappy rashes (in infants). Health and development problems These issues may include anemia, poor muscle tone, prominent joints, medical or dental issues, missed medical appointments, poor language or social skills, recurring infections, repeated accidental injuries caused by a lack of supervision, skin issues such as sores, rashes, flea bites, scabies or ringworm, thin or swollen tummy, tiredness, untreated injuries, and growth issues. Housing and family issues Some of these warning signs may include the child living in unsuitable housing conditions, such as no heating or running water, being left alone for long periods, not having a curfew or bedtime, or taking on the role of carer for other family members. Change in behavior Changes in behavior may manifest as showing sudden changes in behavior or school performance, becoming more clingy or aggressive, being withdrawn, having poor peer relationships or an inability to relate to children of the same age, begging or stealing food or money, depressed, or anxious, changes in eating habits, displaying obsessive behavior, difficulty in focusing, having a poor record of attendance at school, being constantly watchful (preparing for something to go wrong), or showing signs of self-harm. Conclusion Having one of the above signs does not necessarily mean the child faces neglect.

Divorce settlements and custody battles can stretch out for several months or even years, depending on the nature of the case. Once the proceedings have been initiated, your personal and professional life will also come under the direct scrutiny of the law. Willingly or unknowingly, you might say or do something that affects the case proceedings and the final verdict. So, here are ten pitfalls to avoid when the case is still in court. Refusing to cooperate Divorce hearings are difficult for both parties. But refusing to cooperate with your spouse to reach a mutual agreement only makes matters worse. Not hiring an experienced attorney Divorce proceedings can get complicated as time passes. So, you must have an experienced attorney on your side who has won a few cases at the least. Losing your calm Certain arguments can spiral out of control. But any inappropriate behavior in court can swing the case in favor of the aggrieved party. Badmouthing your spouse The children are the ones deeply affected by divorce proceedings and custody battles. It will only make things worse if you paint a negative picture about your spouse to swing the custody battle in your favor. Withholding information It is morally wrong and illegal to withhold information privy to both spouses caught up in a divorce settlement. Not having realistic expectations Spouses are entitled to pay child support and provide every type of financial assistance deemed necessary by the judge. So, be prepared for any such verdicts. Using social media to vent out Posting anything on social media that raises questions about your spouse’s competency will automatically swing the case against you if proven in court. Refusing to communicate Divorce settlements and custody battles can take years to arrive at a decision. During this time, it is necessary to keep an open channel of communication.

Today, children are exposed to the Internet pretty early on, so it is important to help them embrace this technology with responsibility. There are pros and cons to introducing the Internet to young minds. However, teaching them how to navigate the online world and learn appropriate online etiquette can help keep them safe. They should also learn how to be responsible to make better decisions online and avoid misusing devices. Make online profiles private If a child is using a social media platform, it is important for caregivers to go through these sites to understand how they work. Part of this is learning about the privacy policy of the platform. Here, it is important to teach the child to keep their personal informal private and limit their online interaction to the people that they know. Strangers should not be allowed access to the child’s profile, and any friend or follow requests should simply be denied. Use strong passwords It is crucial for children to know how to set a strong password for their profile so that their account does not get hacked. They should also change the password regularly to keep the account safe from unauthorized access and keep personal information private. Be kind Children using online platforms for socialization should be taught the importance of being kind to other people. A question to ask before commenting or responding to someone should be, “Would I say this out loud to someone’s face?” This should help children make an appropriate decision and avoid being rude or mean to other users. Typing comments from behind a screen can be easy, but teaching kids to be sensitive about their words can go a long way in making them learn about appropriate public behavior along with good online etiquette and responsible internet use. Discuss digital footprint Once something has been posted online, it can stay there forever.

Philately, or stamp collecting, has been around for generations as a hobby. In fact, it started as soon as stamps first came into existence. Ever since nations began regulating and standardizing the post, enthusiasts have shown more interest in these little paper squares. While stamps may seem ordinary, some are expensive, especially the vintage and rare ones. Here are some of the most valuable stamps in the world that are one of a kind. British Guiana 1c Magenta, 1856 The British Guiana 1c Magenta is today’s most valuable rare stamp, priced at about $9.48 million. It has traded hands across the world multiple times since its creation. Treskilling Yellow, 1855 The Treskilling Yellow stamp resulted from a color error when printing one of Sweden’s first stamps. Its value stands at about $2.6 million today. The Sicilian Error of Color, 1859 The Sicilian Error of Color, 1859, which features the side profile of a bearded man, is so well-preserved that it looks as if it was printed just yesterday. The $2.6 million stamp was initially released in yellow but misprinted in stark blue. Baden 9 Kreuzer Error, 1851 Priced at about $1.3 million, the Baden 9 Kreuzer Error is one of the first stamps issued by the former German state of Baden. The Inverted Jenny, 1918 At a value of $1.35 million, this stamp features one of the Jenny biplanes first used by the US Post Office to carry mail but with the plane accidentally printed upside down. 1c Benjamin Franklin Z Grill, 1868 This stamp has a value of about $935,000. It was sold at an auction for the said price in 1998. 3c George Washington w/ B Grill, 1867 At about $900,000, this stamp is relatively affordable than the others on this list. The George Washington B Grill features a waffle-like pattern used to identify fraud.