volunteer work & its benefits
Community service work can’t be done with the community.
Being able to give back is a blessing and it is a form of self-care. When we often think about self-care we think of hair cuts, a new hairstyle, makeup, nails, exercising, shopping, a new restaurant or a lounge. While those are self-care forms that pour into physical fitness, let’s not forget about the inner physical fitness work. The things that make your heart smile and your soul cheerfully joyful. The parts of physical fitness people can not see but they can feel and experience. That is what giving can do for you. Sometimes taking care of yourself, filling that void of confusion, or seeking clarity on things to figure out your purpose looks like giving - And that is what volunteer work has not for me. I was ready to tap deeper into my purpose by giving back when and where I can.
Volunteering gave me a sense of fulfillment. It is hard for me to explain until you experience this beautiful feeling yourself but I will try my best to share. I am a woman who does not believing in doing anything for anyone else unless I am in a good space mentally, emotionally and spiritually. My heart has to be in a good place, I am not/never looking for a blessing in return, I am not/never looking for praise and I am never in a “well, I did this for you” space. My character has never been set up that way. I feel so good when I am able to help people who are trying to help themselves and when I am able to give back. It might be a sandwich, an ear, serving hot meals, separating goods or giving advice, I am moving in my purpose with a glad giving heart. Knowing that I am a of the behind the scene work makes me all worth my while.
One things I learned about volunteering is it is just like starting a business. You do not have to have it all figured out. You do not have to have it all. You do not have to be perfect. Once you realize you have everything you need (time, resources and availability) just start. Down below I will share the benefits and feelings I have received doing volunteer work, what is has done for me and why you should volunteer as well.
Feelings received from volunteering:
Build empathy
Build compassion
Improves mental well-being
Builds confidence
Provides a sense of purpose
Enhances grace
Spiritual fitness strengthens (gratitude, thankful, blessed, able)
Soul and heart fulfillment (Something money can’t buy)
Softens your heart
What volunteer work does for you personally and professionally:
Remove you from isolation
Builds social skills
Meet new people and make connections with fellow volunteers and community leaders
Develop new skills and sharpen the skills you currently have
Ability to create
Possible new job opportunities
Improves awareness around the needs and services in your county
Learn new knowledge
Enhance people skills (learn about others and their story)
Sharpening questions skills (open ended questions)
Don’t wait to volunteer - Things we say before volunteering:
“I will wait until I get more time.”
“I will start when I stop working weekends.”
“I can help when my schedule is less hectic.”
“Next month will be a better time. I will for sure start next month.”
“I am not sure what I can do or where to begin.”
You can start supporting others while you are building for yourself. Being of service is not about being better or above anyone, it is about humans helping human. You can be a working progress and still be a blessing to others. Sorting apples for a food bank to pass out lunches has a major impact and help for those in need.
What volunteer work has done for me:
Added to my confidence
Appreciate my life and what I have on another level
Sharpened my skills as a professional
Sharpen my communication skills
Built empathy and compassion
Reminded me of how much I enjoy help others
Met some many new people
Built connections with organizations and county workers
Been offered job opportunities
Inspired me to pick my brand back up (Fit Life Lit Life) and bring my vision to life
Learn what and who are around me (the city I live in and the country)
I’ve learned new skills and information behind the scenes
Build advocacy skills
Realized how blessed and able I am
Allowed me to lean into my purpose
Building connection by maintaining relationships/conections professionally I have built (I meet people every day but maintaining that connection is something I am working on.
Makes me feel good inside
Allowed me to make an impact
If once a month or once every other month for 4-8 hours per day is volunteer work you can do, do that. If you are a parent and you have children, take them with you. Do not think about the good deeds or the blessings you will get, think about your presence being able to support in this current moment. There are organizations in your community that can genuinely use your help. Rather that is a food bank, community clean up, help organization donations during the holidays or game night at an unhoused shelter, you will be appreciated and your support is needed. It is a great way for you all to connect as a family, help other families, build within the community and teach. Teach your children purpose, gratitude, empathy and that money does not grow on trees. To learn to be thankful for what they currently have as well.
After have a chit chat with your child as you two reflect on the day. Maybe ask your child, “what did you notice today?”, “How do you feel after supporting?” “What did you learn?” and “What are you grateful for this month?”. These questions will allow you to tone and build muscle mentally, spiritually and emotionally.
Here at Fit Life Lit Life community we are big on fitness (self-care) inside and out. Giving back and supporting is a part of that self-care. I want to challenge you volunteer. I want to challenge you. No, I want to challenge l us to expand ourselves by reaching out. Stretch our mindset on what self-care looks like and what it is. You can build the life you want while also giving back to the community. healing and help, growing and giving, purpose and providing, support while aiming for success and building while being a blessing. You can do it. Let’s take care of ourselves, stay up and be easy while we making giving part a part of the lifestyle we live here at Fit Life Lit Life.
If you like these blog tips and reminders comment down below what stuck with you, did you find this helpful and when you are volunteering. If you volunteer please share how it makes you feel, what made you begin volunteer and what it has done for you. Feel free to say hello as well.
