Do It Because It Makes You Feel Good

I woke up this morning and drank in that good feeling you have when you know you’ve done something good for someone else. The truth is, I don’t have that feeling often enough, but I do get out, from time to time, and try.


Yesterday was Relay for Life in Naples, Florida, and as a member of the Naples Parrothead Club, I participated in the walk. Even better, they had a day long concert and

I played a set for several hundred people who were doing something positive in the fight against cancer. I have friends who are currently fighting the good fight. I have family who lost the battle. It is an insidious disease and worthy of our combined efforts to eradicate it. Just like the world did with polio years ago, a cure or prevention must be found.

Yesterday’s Relay is just one very good example of how we can tap in to that “feel good about yourself because you did a good thing feeling.” So many people volunteer these days it is becoming a national trend. I’ve never been labeled as “trendy” but this is one I am comfortable embracing.

In the past I have volunteered as a reader in schools, and am always ready to contribute my meager talents as a performer in support of a charity or benefit. I enjoy making music so much I am generally eager to have any opportunity to play. My wife tells people that when I open the refrigerator door and the light comes on, I do 20 minutes. That’s an exaggeration. It’s more like 10.

There are many opportunities to contribute. I mentioned The Parrotheads earlier. And no, it’s not just a Jimmy Buffet Club. It is a lot of people who tend to enjoy that tropical, laid back lifestyle, though. A lot of these clubs rally around the theme of Party with a Purpose, and to those ends, we support many different charities, participate in beach and highway clean-ups, and use every opportunity to be sociable and enjoy a cool libation.

It’s a good feeling when you help or contribute to a cause that you know in your heart is worthwhile. The next time an opportunity presents itself to you, whether it’s a charity golf/tennis/softball tournament, a chance to volunteer at a school or library, or to make a donation to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or American Veterans, get off your duff and do something nice for someone else. You’ll feel good about yourself. And you might even get a t-shirt.