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Prior to going into the Army, my brother gave me some well-known advice: “Never volunteer for anything.” I followed his advice most of the time. I chose the right time to volunteer and it paid off.
Since retiring, I’ve found myself volunteering more and more. If someone were to ask me what I do, I’d have to answer, “I’m a volunteer.”
Instead of rambling on about it, I’d like to share part of something that my editor gave me. This sums it up much better than I ever could. Please read on.
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. It also increases self-confidence and boosts your self-esteem and life satisfaction. By volunteering, you are doing good for others and your community, and this provides a natural sense of accomplishment. As a volunteer, you’ll gain a sense of pride and identity. The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.
Volunteering provides a sense of purpose. Older adults who have retired or lost a spouse, can find new meaning and purpose in their lives by helping others. Whatever your age or life situation, volunteering can help take your mind off your own worries, keep you mentally stimulated, and add more energy to your life.
Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy. The physical activity involved in certain forms of volunteering, such as environmental projects in parks, nature reserves, or beaches, can be good for your health at any age. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not, even when considering factors like the health of the participants. Volunteering has also been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain or heart disease.
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.
There is no pay in volunteering, but you are rewarded in knowing that you have done something for someone less fortunate or someone in need. You are also rewarded by having the opportunity to work alongside some of the finest people in the world, who have the same goals as you. Oh yes, volunteers have been known to sleep very well at night.
If your life is lacking a certain amount of satisfaction, or completeness, stop by and see me, or give me a call. I know a little about the act of volunteering.
A week from today is March 1. I’m wondering if March will come in like a lion or a lamb. This month has flown right by and spring will soon be here.
Birthday wishes to you Leap Year babies. Next Monday, you’ll finally have another birthday. I have difficulty remembering my brother’s birthday. Will he be 80 or 20?
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman
