I recently began volunteering, and to be completely honest, I wasn’t thrilled about it at first. I would have much rather stayed on the couch, watching my favorite shows with a cup of tea. But after a while, I realized that this routine was leaving me feeling unfulfilled. So, I decided to make a change and signed up to volunteer, starting with helping the elderly.
In this blog post, I want to share some simple tips that can help you make a difference in others’ lives. These tips are easy to implement, so you can start right away.
Benefits Of Helping Others
While we all know the benefits of helping others, one thing stands out to me in particular: it gives you a profound sense of purpose, something my old routine lacked. My life revolved around work, focusing on my recovery, spending time with friends, working out, and pursuing hobbies. It might seem like I have a full and fulfilling life—and in many ways, I do. But despite this, I found myself struggling with feelings of unworthiness.
Stop Being Selfish
This realization was hard to swallow—I was extremely selfish. The most important thing in my world was me. Especially during my active addiction, everything revolved around what I wanted and what I needed. I’ve since learned that the world doesn’t revolve around me.
One assignment I received was to start each morning by thinking of at least one thing I could do for someone else that day. The fact that I struggled with this more often than not revealed just how self-centered my thinking had become.
Whether or not you believe in a higher power, I genuinely think that we are meant to care for one another and show kindness to those around us. By showing kindness and caring for one another, we open ourselves to the influence of a higher power in our lives.
The Importance Of Kindness
In a world that often feels disconnected, kindness is more important than ever. Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, touching more lives than we might ever know. When we stop being selfish and focus on others, we begin to see the world through a different lens—one that is filled with compassion and empathy.
Tips
- Volunteering
Start by exploring your local community to find organizations that support people in need, such as the elderly, those struggling with addiction, or the homeless. There are likely many opportunities available. If you’re unable to volunteer in person, consider donating money to a charity. - Donate
Go through your closet and see what clothes you no longer wear and take them to a thrift store. Or search for organizations like refugee councils, which might also need clothing donations for refugees. There are plenty of people who could use that dress you haven’t touched for 2 years. - Pick up your phone
Call someone—a friend, your grandmother, anyone. Just say hi and ask how they’re doing. Let them know they’re on your mind. A simple phone call can make someone’s day. - Offer A Smile
This might be one of the simplest ways to help someone, yet its impact is often underestimated. The next time you’re walking down the street, smile at someone—anyone. It’s a small gesture, but it could be a bright spot in the day of someone who might be struggling. Don’t you think? - Lend A Helping Hand
Offer your time and skills to someone who might need assistance. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor with groceries, tutoring a student, or assisting a colleague with a challenging task. Often, these small acts of service can make a big difference in someone’s day and foster a sense of community and connection. Plus, it’s a great way to use your strengths to benefit others.
Trust me, it’s normal to feel some resistance to this at first. At least, I did. But try it a few times and see how it affects you. Also, explore different options to find what suits you best— for one person, that might be volunteering, while for another, it could be random acts of service.
