We are here to help others in some way…
As we age driving and walking become more limited. This means physical volunteering opportunities will become harder to accomplish. Giving financially is wonderful, but I have found it doesn’t bring the same level of connection as hands on giving. There is nothing more satisfying than lending your time and energy to help those less fortunate or to simply do a good deed. I am baffled by people who spend their Autumn years doing the exact same thing they have done over the decades such as buying new homes, remodeling said homes, buying more stuff for those homes, socializing and attending happy hours or lunches with their spare time, but rarely giving back to the world. Sometimes I see an attitude of “I got mine and the heck with everyone else”. We here to help others in some way and not just our own families. It’s fine to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but how much is enough consuming? Once the purchase is made and the dinner is over, there is frequently a longing for something else to fill us.
It’s not selfish to find a way to volunteer that you enjoy.
If you want to donate your time or money, do it before it’s too late. Get your hands dirty by helping a neighbor clean out their garage or plant some flowers for someone who could use a spiritual lift. Speaking of lifts -give someone a ride to the doctor’s office. Many counties have a list of people who need assistance to the grocery store or doctor appointments. Maybe you could provide light housekeeping for someone who can’t afford to hire someone, but they may be too weak to tidy their home. You could really makes someone’s day by providing a meal or some light cleaning. The key is to do it for yourself and not to expect anything in return. This means not even expecting appreciation. Some people are not good at being demonstrative. This shouldn’t stop you from performing acts of kindness. Serving others reminds us to be humble and grateful because we are fortunate we can help.
Think about yourself first. It’s not selfish to find a way to volunteer that you enjoy. Don’t be a martyr and pick something you don’t like doing or say yes when you want to say No. Giving should be done honestly and freely. This allows love to flow from you into the person or deed. If you agree to do something you don’t want to do, then it could be tainted with a bad attitude, even if you keep it tucked inside and don’t display it. How you do any act of kindness is more important than the deed itself.
I know there are many of you who are super kind hearted and would love to give back, but maybe you just don’t know where to start. You can Google “Volunteering” in your county and there will often be a list of organizations or volunteering opportunities very close to you. You could also approach any church or local food bank or homeless shelter. You don’t have to be religious to help out in a church! One of the churches near me is a cold weather shelter for the overflow of homeless people, because during January and February, the shelter is full. It is very rewarding to bring food, drive the van for pick up and drop off or do a host of others things including set up, tear down vacuuming and cleaning the carpets after the “guests” leave.
I remember the annoyed look on the faces of the snow plow drivers who had to stop their work as I approached them
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Giving back doesn’t require a lot of time. Just make it a point whenever you get the chance. Help someone with a door, carry groceries or bring back their cart. Pick up litter in your neighborhood on the way back from a walk or jog. Let someone with small, tired children go in front of you in the grocery store. You aren’t doing it for a thank you, but believe me, other people see these kind acts and often want to jump on board. Being kind is truly contagious!! It can be done spontaneously without much effort and have a huge impact on someone’s day. While snowed in one day I was making breakfast for my family and decided to hand out egg sandwiches to the snow plow drivers in our neighborhood, who were working during the last blizzard. I remember the annoyed look on the faces of the snow plow drivers who had to stop their work as I approached them. Those tired faces turned into a huge smiles when I mouthed “Breakfast” and they all gladly accepted them and took a little break to eat.
Another day, it was 102 degrees in the shade and there were maintenance workers mowing grass and doing other various intense labor nearby. I bought a big box of popsicles and handed them out. My son was happy to jump on his bike and deliver popsicles around the neighborhood too. Can you imagine what it must be like to be overheated, drenched in sweat and have someone offer an icy cold popsicle?! So easy and so appreciated!
….anonymity is fun
There are countless ways to give back. Just start somewhere! If you haven’t been doing it, start small and get a taste of the deliciousness of spontaneously offering to lighten someone’s load. You will be hooked. I’m always on the look out for next opportunity that suits me. I’m not telling you this so you will think I’m great. As a matter of fact, I often don’t tell anyone what I’m doing because anonymity is fun. I’m just sharing a few example to show how easy it is. I can tell you from experiences that donating time for worthy causes brings inner peace and joy. Brightening the day of another person inside or outside of your family, in a small or big way is one of the best ways to make depression melt away. It’s rewarding to find connection to the world around you and spread good vibes and energy at the same time. It doesn’t matter what you do. As long as you are spreading kindness from a place of genuine love, you are making a positive impact on the world. Know it!
Written By: Maryrose Mitchell