Written by Sharon Gibson Ellis
[dropcap]Giving feels good. Volunteering, making a financial contribution or donating goods or services is satisfying and there is research and convincing evidence that it has real physical and mental health benefits as well. [/dropcap]
We all want to feel as though we have something to offer our community, society, our country or even the world. We feel great satisfaction when we can afford to make a financial contribution or give clothing, household goods or furniture to someone who needs it, or to an organization that will make sure it gets to someone in need. And if you can’t afford to make a financial contribution, or don’t have any clothing or household goods to donate, you can always give your time.
Research shows that most people believe that helping others provides personal fulfillment. However, no study can measure the number of good night’s sleep we get because we volunteered all day at something we were passionate about; the continued warm feelings we have when someone who has benefited from our volunteer deeds smiles at us; the dog kisses we get from helping at rescues; the memories we will have forever of the many people we have crossed paths with as a result of giving a few hours here and there. Volunteering forces us to not be self-centered, but instead to focus on the good around us.
If you have not felt the thrill of volunteering, give it a try. Volunteering is a great way to gain human contact and not feel isolated, to be part of a network or group you might be interested in, cultivate job prospects, clear your mind of the troubles and issues of the day, and to make a significant gift to your community—your time!
