My wife and I spent time in the car yesterday, traveling to the first of what will be at least a half dozen high school graduation parties. The trip was a great time to reflect on the opportunities today’s young people have for building their “woodpiles+” and why they absolutely should make it a priority for themselves.

One thing I’ve noticed over the last few years is that today’s youth have more opportunities than ever to be involved in their communities as volunteers.… Read the rest

As we’ve pointed out in this blog since day one, your job or vocation is one of the three main avenues for building your Woodpile. Finding some way, through your employment, to give back and build up others is a critical part of impacting the community you live in. But it’s not the only way.

WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

When you invest as much time and energy into a job as most of us do, you can’t put all that on a little shelf and separate it out from “you.”… Read the rest

Whether you’re a volunteer or are working for a living, it’s important to stay motivated and knowledgeable about the work you’re doing.

For many folks, attending a workshop or conference not only gets you out of the house or office, it can put you in touch with other people who are interested in the same things. Some of those folks will have some great experiences or knowledge to share.… Read the rest

We’ve made it clear that your vocation – your job – is a part of your woodpile that needs to be addressed.  Even though it’s a necessity of life, employment is also an opportunity to make a difference for others.

WHAT WE GET OUT OF WORK

For many people, going to work is a part of the drudgery of life. It’s a pure exchange with the employer – one giving hours and skills (sometimes not very well), the other giving cash and benefits (sometimes not very much).… Read the rest