Have you ever felt like your days are packed, and you just can’t add one more thing to your to-do list? That’s exactly how I feel most of the time. But despite my tight schedule, I still carve out time to volunteer. Why? Because the joy of helping others is worth every second.
My Crazy Schedule: Where Does Volunteering Fit In?
Let me break it down for you. My weekdays are full-on: work starts at 8:30 am and runs until 5 pm. After a brief break for family time (and by “break,” I mean cooking, feeding, bathing Eloise, and catching up with everyone), I dive back into work from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. Some nights, I’m up working well past midnight. Weekends? They’re spent with family or catching up on chores I’ve missed during the week. Oh, and I’m still trying to squeeze in exercise somewhere.
Yet, people often ask, “Why do you volunteer when you barely have time for yourself?”
The Joy of Helping Others: My Personal Motivation
It’s simple—volunteering brings me joy. There’s something so fulfilling about giving your time to someone who needs it. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with both families and the elderly, which resonates with me because of my own experiences. I’ve been there, helping my aging parents and grandparents, and I’ve even worked as a nursing student caring for the elderly. Volunteering gives me the chance to disconnect from the constant demands of work and life and just be present for someone else.
I remember one time when I visited an elderly woman who had no family left. We spent the afternoon chatting, laughing, and sharing stories. When I left, she thanked me with tears in her eyes. That moment stayed with me. It wasn’t just about giving my time—it was about being there for someone when they needed it most.
Beyond Mental Health: The Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering
Of course, volunteering is great for my mental health. It helps me step outside of the daily grind and focus on something positive. But it’s also brought me new skills and relationships. Through volunteering, I’ve met incredible people, formed meaningful friendships, and learned how to be more patient and empathetic. It’s been a real personal growth journey for me, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.
How You Can Get Involved
Volunteering doesn’t have to take up a lot of time—every little bit helps. If you’re curious about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few suggestions:
- Start small: Maybe it’s just an hour a week or helping out with a one-time event.
- Find a cause you care about: Whether it’s working with children, supporting the elderly, or helping the environment, there’s something out there for everyone.
- Do what fits your lifestyle: Some volunteer opportunities allow you to work from home, while others involve being out in the community.
If you’re interested, check out some volunteer opportunities here. You might just find something that brings you joy, too.
Your Turn: Share Your Story
I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever volunteered? How did it impact your life? Drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going.
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