Giving Back and Paying Forward

While most people waste precious time on not-so-important activities such as shopping on weekends or drinking and dancing in bars, there are a handful of persons who spend their time with people who need their precious time the most. These people are called volunteers.

When asked why they decide to offer their time to others, volunteers would often say that it is one way of giving back the blessings they have been showered with. For others, it is paying forward or inspiring others to perform good deeds in hopes that all little acts of kindness will form one big treasure trove of hope, love, and more kindness.

Want to be a part of this special breed of individuals? Here's how:

Offer to be a big brother or sister to children in orphanages or other institutions even for a day. These unfortunate children who got separated from their families are longing for genuine care and compassion. Organize simple educational and fun activities for them. Hold storytelling or painting sessions with them. Teach them to prepare handicrafts or baked goodies which will also help them earn some money. Or simply bond with them.

Visit homes for the aged. These elders who were abandoned by their children are left to spend the last years of their lives in despair and agony over the loss of their loved ones. Sometimes, all they need is a minute or two from other people. Put a smile on their faces, however momentarily, by simply exchanging stories with them. Tell them stories and listen to theirs. They have a lot stories to recount and they would really appreciate every bit of attention given to them.

Be a rescue volunteer. If you are healthy and physically fit, you may try to be an army reservist or a volunteer firefighter. Be a citizen soldier who engages in medical and dental missions, as well as other civil relation projects.

Be a volunteer teacher. If you are an expert on a subject or a topic, you may hold study sessions or tutorials for people who have a hard time coping with lessons in school, or who don't have the resources to have a formal education. Share your knowledge with them on weekly get-togethers. Even informal means of education will help them gain valuable knowledge that they can apply later on.

Whatever volunteerism activities you decide to get involved with, every minute will surely be time well-spent. Not only will you get to help other people, you will also feel good about yourself.

Did you know that people who do volunteer work end up happier than most people?