“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” ~Elizabeth Andrew
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” ~Winston Churchill
“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service relationship to humanity.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” ~Sherry Anderson
Have you ever volunteered for something and thought to yourself, “Why did I sign up for this?” or, “I don’t know what I am doing here.”
Sometimes volunteering is something we get roped into; we feel obligated or guilty and say yes when we really should be saying no. Other times, we do what we have to do for the sake of the kids. We want to show our presence and interest in their school activities and, of course, their academic career.
However, have you ever had the experience of volunteering just because it was something that you believe in and always wanted to do? That is where the beauty is. When you volunteer from your heart and when you are ready, that is when the magic happens.
“It’s enough to indulge and to be selfish but true happiness is really when you start giving back.” ~Adrian Grenier
Volunteering is Good for Your Mind
When you volunteer, you give a part of yourself to another. This works wonders for your mind. When you stop thinking about yourself and your problems and focus on others, your mind is more at ease and more at peace with itself.
Giving back has a way of boosting chemicals in your brain and making you happier, and improves your mood, as well. Taking the focus off you and placing it on the good of another person is the true meaning of benevolence.
Volunteering Can Have Lasting Health Benefits
Helping others has a way of allowing peace and serenity to enter into your life. When you volunteer, you release a whole cluster of feel-good chemicals. These chemicals help you sleep better at night, give you more energy during the day and help you keep and maintain better overall health. Now isn’t that better than taking all kinds of pills to get to sleep at night and stay awake during the day?
“Research has shown that people who volunteer often live longer.” ~Allen Klein
Giving Back does Wonders for Your Soul
Giving back feels good deep down in your soul. If you’ve ever felt that you had no purpose at the moment or if you did not know what your life purpose was, then try volunteering.
There are so many different organizations occupying different categories–you are sure to find the one that suits your needs. Whether you want to volunteer for an elderly facility or work with children or pets, you will be sure to find a cause that makes you feel fulfilled and purposeful.
It’s Good for What Ails You
Volunteering is good for what ails you because it lets you focus on another person’s pains or complaints and keeps your mind off your own. For instance, when you are helping to ease another person’s loneliness or assisting them in walking, you are helping them overcome their pains, as well as temporarily putting yours aside.
So, as you can see, volunteering does more than just help others—it helps you, as well. Volunteering soothes your body, soul, and mind. So, why not give it a try soon?
Satisfy Your Soul by Helping Others
For one week, see if you can increase your happiness level and fulfill your soul by finding one thing to volunteer for, no matter how insignificant you think it may be. Every little bit helps.
Below are some resources that may help get your started or point you in the right direction. Or you can check out local organizations such as the hospital to see if they are looking for volunteers.
Ottawa Community Groups, Service Clubs and Volunteer Organizations
Click here to schedule your free call with Gina.“The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers.” ~Everett Mamor