Helping Others Increases Personal Empowerment

Do you feel inspired when you meet people who go above and beyond in service to others? I certainly do.

I recently spoke to a Rotary group in Ozark, MO. Tomorrow I’ll address a banquet hall full of Red Cross Disaster Volunteers. Some say these are just ordinary people who give of their time. I understand the point they are trying to make, that these are not superhuman cyborgs but instead human just like you and me. But still….ordinary? Not at all.

Volunteers are the most empowered individuals I have ever met.

Volunteers Are Special People

Is it ordinary to leave the comfort of home and family, to get out of one’s normal routine to travel into difficulty and privation? Is it normal to get up in the middle of the night and drive TOWARD a natural or man-made disaster? No, it is not.

I was brought up in a family that believed it was a part of life to bring comfort and support to help the young, the poor, the lonely and the person who may be sick in spirit, mind or body. If we saw a need we were taught to believe that was our role and responsibility to try to help.

My grandfather was a minister and my father was a Gideon. Gideon buy bibles and put them in hotel rooms all over the world.  When I go any hotel I check to find that bible. He told me he put them there so that when any person was facing a life-changing event, they could find in it comfort and hope for a better day. If they were in darkness the bible was there to bring them light.

The amazing volunteers of the world are like that! They bring light and hope to those who face disaster and tragedy in their life.

Volunteering Improves Health and Longevity

I know they do not provide that service in hope of a reward. In fact, receiving payment would lessen the sense of personal fulfillment. But more than 30 studies have shown that people who give of their time, talents and their passion  are happier, healthier, and live longer. YES! We’re talking major payback in addition to the sense of satisfaction and knowing you are doing the right thing.

The most important message I want to deliver to all of you who volunteer is, “Make time to take care of yourself.” I know you sometimes give so much of yourself there may not be a whole lot left for you, and that’s not doing anyone a favor. Like the airline flight attendants say, “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else.”

The painful events volunteers witness can actually hurt them, too. It’s important to debrief yourself. That means talking with other volunteers, family and friends to express the pain and grief you witness. Make sure you tell your own story. We have a lot of information on WomenSpeak on the importance of self care and how to build resilience. Please do yourself a favor and do something extra special for yourself today.