Are you feeling down or blue? I’m not talking about major depression, just slightly down in the dumps. Maybe you are fed-up with your current life conditions. Stressed-out, sick of your job, or you’re not making enough money. Maybe you are tired of meeting or dating Mr. or Miss WRONG. Is your apartment a dump? Are your self-image or self-esteem lacking as a result of these feelings. Maybe you are you suffering from I’m sick of all of this *#%*! If so, you aren’t alone. Many of us get tired of being stuck in the everyday rut our lives have become. How do you find your way out? I have a prescription that seems to work for me every time…community service.

I offer community service as a sure fire means of gaining the proper perspective in your life. Often times we get so caught up in ‘coveting thy neighbor’, we forget the blessings that have already been bestowed upon us in our own lives. If you are sick of your job, maybe remembering the thousands of unemployed will help you to be more thankful that you have a job at all. If you are wishing you could buy a home instead of living in the small apartment you can barely afford, perhaps volunteering to feed the homeless at a shelter or church will have you counting your blessings.

This past holiday season I had the honor of participating in several community service events with my WNBA team the Phoenix Mercury that really lifted my spirits. In this photo, I am chaperoning underprivileged children in the Phoenix, Arizona community along with other current or retired professional athletes on a Christmas shopping spree provided by Dick’s Sporting Goods and Bob Lanier and friends. The children were so excited to have the opportunity to shop for clothes, sports equipment and shoes that they couldn’t stop talking about all of their options. In fact, it was partly a math assignment, as they had to figure the best way to spend their gift cards. They had a wonderful time, as did I, because it always feels good to give back to the community.

I also helped to deliver Christmas gifts to children in the Banner Health Children’s Hospital along with the Phoenix Suns’ Shawn Marion and DJ Strawberry and Phoenix Mercury assistant coach Bridget Pettis. We passed out teddy bears, gifts and signed autographs. We took pictures and chatted it up with the patients, their families and friends. We wished them well and a great holiday season. It’s sometimes difficult to see children with ailments, but knowing that they were as excited as they were to see the Suns and the WNBA Championship Phoenix Mercury made it worth it. It also reminded me of how thankful I am to have good health and that my 8 year-old daughter is in good health.

The Phoenix Mercury also participated in the “Be a Santa To A Senior” program at the Kivel Campus of Care. We celebrated the holiday season with the seniors living at the home with a wonderful holiday party full of gifts refreshments and carolers. We also passed out Mercury T-shirts and autographed them. Many of the seniors were without family during the holiday season so our participation in their holiday party was definitely something that touched their hearts. It touched ours as well. With all of our differences (I.e. race, class, gender, religion, etc.) we often forget the human aspect of life that unites us. During the holidays, everyone usually has the same need to be with family or loved ones. We acted as surrogate family, and it was much appreciated.

I also took my daughter with me to feed the homeless so that she could also benefit from a little perspective. Children often get beside themselves when creating their holiday wish list. Understanding how many people live without the basic necessities helped her understand that everything she wants isn’t what she needs. Although I was well aware of that fact, participating in community service events served to remind me as well. It was a lesson learned for both of us.

If you are needing a little perspective to remind you that you are living A Wonderful Life, may I suggest to you doing community service. My holiday dose has done wonders for me!