Finding purpose in unexpected places: Why I do volunteer work

[Shadox]

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a quick story from my personal life in the hope that it might inspire a few of you to try something similar.

For a while now (about 5 years), I’ve been volunteering at a local senior living residence, spending time with elderly residents who often feel lonely or isolated. Most of them don't have family, or their family simply doesn't bother to visit or call them. Sometimes we just sit and have a cup of coffee, sometimes we go for a short walk, and other times I just listen to them share stories from a lifetime of experiences. Mostly about how they met their spouse and what their love was like 'back in the day'.

Before I started, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. But honestly, It has become one of the most rewarding parts of my week.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own daily routine, our own stress, and our own bubble. But stepping outside of that and dedicating even just an hour or two to someone else

is a good reminder to myself: life is so much bigger than just me.

Seeing someone’s face light up simply because you walked through the door taught me a lot about what actually matters. There is a quiet kind of happiness and fulfillment in helping others that you just can't buy or find anywhere else.

If you’ve ever considered; I really encourage you to look into your local community. Whether it’s with seniors, local food shelters, or neighborhood projects. You don't need any special skills, just a bit of your time and an open heart, which I know all of you have, as I've witnessed the past few months.

You might be surprised by how much it enriches your own life in return 🙂

I learned to focus on something bigger than myself. Life is not about enriching yourself; it is about serving and supporting others.

 

My grandmother even used to live by this saying; "There are two types of people in the world: givers and takers. The takers might eat better, but the givers sleep better."

 

Has anyone else here done any volunteer work? Would love to hear your experiences!

 

Btw: this definitely is not meant as a pat on the back for myself, but rather to hopefully inspire some of you to try the same 😄

 

 

Some pictures over the recent years with several of my "girlfriends" 😅🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited 10 hours ago by Shadox