Volunteering creates a natural high like endorphins from running. When I volunteer at Salt and Light food pantry I feel totally buzzed! It is like being high on life. I feel needed and more powerful like I can change the world. I am just handing out groceries to people out of work and it is only a few hours out of my week, but the effect it has on me reaches far into my entire week. If I miss it, I really miss it.
Volunteering is good for the soul. When I lost my job I felt a loss of a sense of power and control in my life, even a sense of dignity and self-worth. Volunteering restores my dignity in myself. I CAN work even if not for a wage. No one will ever turn down a volunteer or fire you! The most valuable thing for me is touching a need in someone else’s life. I also feel reconnected to others in a powerful way.
Funny, but when you volunteer people usually say thanks for coming and we really appreciate your being here. Not what you usually here at work. Consider volunteering for your mental health and improving your own outlook on life! You can approach your life from a whole new perspective!
Marianne loves to help people reach their goals: through direction, accountability, and years of experiencing what works and what doesn't.
"Her drive and enthusiasm shows how passionate she is about coaching and in empowering and helping others move forward." -- Carole Cowperthwaite O'Hagen, Executive Coach and Trainer
Marianne, I totally agree with this article on volunteering. Volunteering is engerizing and very rewarding!