The holiday season is coming up soon, and for some of us it has different effects on our emotional well being. Some of us get stressed out with all the shopping, decorating, cooking, etc., while others are enjoying the activities it brings. One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season and quite frankly anytime of the year, is volunteering at my local food pantry. I not only help put the food baskets together, but I also use my car to deliver the goodies to those that do not have a way to get there to pick them up. I meet the most interesting people, and they are all so grateful to receive the goods. It's great for me too because I feel like I helped to make their day a little bit better. Meeting these people also gives me a reality check as well. It's often very easy to focus on the negative things that are happening in our life, but when you meet someone who is struggling with a burden worse than yours, it helps put things into perspective.
I have also been on the receiving end of volunteer efforts as well. My son was on a special program to help him become more mobile. I had to reach out to my surrounding community and ask people to volunteer their time to help move my son's body in a crawling motion in order for him to hopefully learn how to crawl. The volunteers were people I had never met before, but the gifts they brought into my family's life were priceless. Even though we had to take a break from my son's program, I still keep in touch with these wonderful people. I have to say that I think they also benefited from the experience as well because they would offer to come over to help us with other parts of my son's program as well. It was awesome to see them cheer my son on to work hard as well as come up with creative ideas to help him.
There are so many benefits to volunteering. Today companies like to see volunteering activities on your resume. Depending on the activity, you might learn or develop a new skill. For example, you may learn constructions skills by volunteering with Habitat For Humanity. You'll be a role model and inspire others to bring joy into the lives of those that are less fortunate. You get to meet new people and network as well. The list goes on.
So, if you're looking for some soul food this holiday season or any time of the year, consider volunteering your special gifts. I know every person has a special gift to offer, there is no doubt about it. I will end my post with one of my favorite quotes, "Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them." Buddha (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta).
Wishing you a day filled with joy!
