A few years ago I worked for a nonprofit organization, encouraging youth to volunteer in our community. The thing was, so many youth were focusing on themselves and all their issues; acne, friends (or lack of), daily dramas, home problems, while the local community needed them. I would go from one High School to another speaking with the youth. My main message was for them to go out and give of their time.
Most teens didn’t believe they had anything of value to offer. I was there to point out how untrue that belief was. Young people have a different energy than many adults, that in itself can have a positive affect on others. Also though their life experience may be limited they are rather savvy with technology. Many people that inhabit this planet did not grow up with cell phones, computers, and the internet. Teens of today have always had these at their disposal, meaning their skill set in this area is invaluable. Also their more innocent world view and playfulness is also an asset.
I explained that by giving of their time they would be adding value to other people’s lives. I also knew that what you focus on grows. If they were focused on helping others then the teens’ own problems would no longer be in the forefront. I wanted them to experience how it felt to serve others. These kids were mostly middle class and not wanting for much. Helping others would put their issues into perspective. I hoped that they would come out with a new understanding of contribution, an awareness that each person has had their own share of tough times, and that different generations can all learn from each other. Ultimately, learn the true meaning of community.
After all one of our human needs is for love and connection. How better to understand connection than by giving of ourselves to others. Bonds were formed be it in a bingo setting or visiting seniors in a residence. Stories were shared, they learned about history not from text books but from people’s stories who lived through those times in real life. The seniors learned about the ease of technology and how they could receive instant news from family kilometers away. The exchange benefitted both the givers and the receivers. In the end who really knows who gained the most out of the arrangement. I tend to believe everybody was a winner.
Moral of this story is when you are feeling down or overwhelmed by your problems push yourself to do something for someone else. Walk down the street and bring a sandwich to a homeless person. Buy groceries and donate them to the locate food bank or church. Clean out your closet and bring the clothes to a woman’s shelter. Whatever you can think of just do it. During this time of Covid-19, with many places on lock down, you can always make a donation to a cause that touches your heart. Inevitably, you will feel better knowing you are serving others with no end result in mind but simply to be of service to your fellow human.
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself
in the service of others.
Mahatma Gandhi