You may think adding a volunteer position to your life as you are trying to embrace a slower pace is backwards thinking. I don't agree. It's important to give of yourself and help other people. Once you have embraced a slower paced life you will be able to adjust your priorities. Volunteering in an area you are passionate about is a wonderful new priority. It allows you the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. It enables you to be self-giving rather than all consuming.
There are many different ways you can volunteer and in many different areas. Sometimes it's the really simple things that need to be done that make a world of difference. There are a few common excuses I've heard that I don't think should be allowed to be valid excuses.
1. I'm too busy to volunteer. We are all busy, what I find interesting about this, is that often these people are still the ones using volunteers. For an example: They are too busy driving their kids around to different events put on by volunteers. If those volunteers weren't there, your kids would have nowhere to go. If these activities are important and a priority for your kids, perhaps they should be a priority for you as well. I'm not suggesting you need to volunteer in that same area, just recognize how much these volunteers are doing for you, and find a way where you can give back as well. Sports coaches, youth groups, kids church clubs are a good example of this.
Personally, I do not really enjoy helping in church nursery. I've done it in the past because I had young children and the church nursery needed volunteers or there wouldn't be one. Currently I do not volunteer in the nursery or kids program at our church. (But I do help in other areas) I am SO GRATEFUL for all the people who do work with the kids. It allows me one time during the week where I can sit with my husband, hold his hand and learn something myself. I know my kids are being cared for by volunteers who want to be spending their time with my children. It's amazing to see these volunteers in action, and I am so thankful for them.
2. I'm too young to volunteer. In certain cases, yes you may be. At the same time, my oldest gets up early on Sunday mornings to go with myself or my husband to volunteer and help out. He does well. He started coming with us when he was 6 years old. When you can give them direction and little jobs to do, they can actually be a huge help. Does he have the same responsibility as an adult? No. He comes and he helps us do our job, we teach him as he works. Kids learn fast and are quite able to do things, don't underestimate them. Be patient with them, it will pay off. It will also build their confidence.
3. I'm retired now, and I've already put in my time. Honestly, if you are not dead or seriously ill, I disagree. You are still alive, you still have something to offer. Find something that suits you and do it. Yes, you may not be able to do some of the same things that you used to, but don't think that there's nothing for you or that since you've entered retirement you can no longer volunteer. I know a large amount of sweet ladies & gentlemen who use their gifts in different ways that is suitable to what they can offer. Us younger people still need you, we have a lot that we can learn from you. I know things were different when you were our age, but please also recognize that things are different than when you were our age….in the past it was more typical that a mom could stay home, take care of the house and raise her babies. Now, it's often not even an option, it's common that both parents have to work to make ends meet. It's not easy to raise your babies, take care of a house, cook, clean and work 40 hours a week. Obviously there's many different circumstances, the point is, let's help each other out however we can at whatever stage of life we're in.
Unfortunately, I have seen many times volunteers get burnt out. The few try and do the work that many should be doing together. It's hard. In the end we end up with less volunteers. If everyone did a little something, it would make it so much easier on all of us.
So how do you help out? Is there a way you could do more? Is there something that you always thought you would like to learn more about? Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, build relationships, and be a part of something bigger than yourself.
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