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I have volunteered for many different organizations from being a candy stripper at a hospital when I was a teen to doing computer entry for a local non profit club. There has never been a time when i did not get much more then I gave. This is the secret of Volunteering. I hope you will read this article and find a way to receive this wonderful gift. Giving What You Get Through Volunteering Give a Little and Get a Lot Volunteering is a great way to both give and receive. When you volunteer your time, you are giving the most important gift of all. The benefits of giving are one of the reasons why many people volunteer. Knowing you have made an important contribution to the community in some way is a great way to feel good about yourself and know that you've made a difference in some one's life. Not only can you enhance the lives of others through volunteering, but also you can receive benefits by spending a part of your day helping others. These include: Self-confidence The opportunity to discover new talents and skills Making new friends Exploring new career options Being part of a team The term "helper's high" refers to the positive emotions and feeling of accomplishment that people receive when they do something good for others. Whether you volunteer for a few hours a week or a couple of times a year, whatever time you could afford to give would be appreciated. You'll leave with an experience that increases your social awareness and deepens your values. Also, here's something you may not know: experts say that volunteering is a great way to improve your mental and physical health. According to a report from the Corporation for National and Community Service, people who volunteer exhibit greater life spans, lower risk of depression and heart diseases, and a higher overall functionality. So not only is volunteering great for the spirit, it works wonders for the body too! Although volunteering isn't always easy, it is never boring and always fulfilling. If your life currently doesn't allow the time for you to volunteer, don't worry. There will always be opportunities out there. Simple things such as babysitting a neighbor's children or shoveling driveways are great ways to get started. Take pride in the fact that no matter who you are or where you live, you will always be able to give a little part of yourself to someone else. 05 Nov, 2008 |Carey Purcell Share