“I Volunteer” – by Candida Nedog
Photo Credit: Almyra Knevel-Persson
We are very fortunate to live in this amazing country where, if we did not know where to look, we would think there are no people to whom your time would mean a lot…but THERE ARE!
How many times have we really put ourselves in someone else’s shoes? We are, most of the time, self-centred, especially in this ultra-modern, fast-paced life where “being too busy” is the most accepted excuse. Being busy makes us feel important, like the world will stop on its tracks if we are not running from one commitment to another, without giving ourselves time to consider what we are running towards.
Even our children are busy now! From one extracurricular activity to another, with hardly any time to just be children, they hit their beds at the end of the day just as tired as adults.
When I came across Serve the City I was instantly hooked and wanted to participate on every single event but, it was not as easy as I thought. Some time ago I was finally able to help out at Foyer Sud with my one of my sons. It was an amazing experience as we played games with the children, baked pastries and chatted non-stop! Time simply flew by. That morning made me realize that:
Volunteering with your kids can bring long-term positive impact. Sometimes it is difficult to coordinate everyone’s schedules, but volunteering as a family has many benefits. I took one of my sons with me and he enjoyed the experience as much as I did!
Children watch everything you do. If you show them how volunteering makes a difference and how good it feels to help other people, time and again, you will be paving their way into becoming conscious and hands-on citizens.
Volunteering connects you to others – there were amazing people there who are as busy as anybody else but still managed to find the time to contribute. By volunteering you not only impact the lives of those you are helping out, but you also make new friends and expand your network with like-minded people.
Feeling down in the dumps? Volunteer! – It is said that one of the main reasons people feel depressed is due to social isolation. Volunteering keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a good support system, which in turn keeps stress and depression at bay when you’re going through tough times.
No time for your hobbies? Volunteer! – Many people don’t have time to spend on their hobbies, so they volunteer as an “excuse” to use their creativity and passion outside of work and brighten up other people’s day!
Whichever reason you find most appealing, I guarantee that at the end of an event you will feel more energized, motivated and fulfilled.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “It is one of the beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely help another without helping himself.”
Looking forward to volunteering with you!
Cândida Nedog
Photo Credit: Almyra Knevel Persson
