Why do I volunteer?

Why I volunteer??I often get asked why I volunteer, and the simple answer is I must. Whenever I feel lost and can't find my purpose, I find it in the eyes of those I help and serve.?

Why I volunteer??When I was ten years old, I lost my dearest friend, who I lovingly called Pooh Bear, an 11-year old I had known since we were both babies. Pooh Bear was killed when a drunk driver plowed into the car his parents were driving. My grandmother took me to the Roosevelt memorial to show me what great people say in my sorrow. Under Eleanor Roosevelt's bust was written the words "When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die." Pooh Bear had a streak of kindness, and all he thought about was how to help others. His favorite thing to do was plant a tree.

Why do I volunteer? In my volunteerism, I find the power of worth. It doesn't matter whether I can read or write. It doesn't matter if I am a successful businessman because everybody can find their true power in the service to others. I don't need to have great wealth to give; it only matters whether I have a heart to give. In thinking about Eleanor's quotes, I understood back then that Pooh Bear's quality of his life, no matter how short, was lengthened by his generosity of contribution. He once told me that all the world needs is a few more trees.

Why do I volunteer? Whenever I am working with Habitat for Humanity,?it’s about someone getting?into a new home. When I pass out meals at the food bank or am working with the Big Brothers, it’s about spending time mentoring a young man.?If I am helping the Red Cross install smoke detectors, support a shelter, or run a first aid station at an event like the Rose Parade, it’s about service. I find the greatest skill I have learned comes down to four easy-to-understand skills: A kind word, a healing touch, a listening ear, and a genuine smile.

Why do I volunteer? One of the lessons I have learned in my life is that both giving and receiving come hand-in-hand. I think most people who volunteer find themselves ambidextrous, for with one hand they help others and the other hand they are receiving help. It is of the essence of the human race that we cannot make it through life without someone else's support, and we cannot stand as others suffer. It is a fact that throughout history, those who do not help other humans have been mostly labeled in-humane. The fundamental axiom is true, "You do good for someone, and they, in turn, do good for others" - and what a wonderful world this would be if we all live like this!

Why do I volunteer? I can answer this in a small experiment. Try helping somebody else; let me know if that doesn't spark some positive energy, especially if you're feeling down or your problems seem impossible.?You will find a jolt of energy that will bring some balance into your life. If you suffer from addictions, try switching to saying a kind word to someone. It doesn't have to be financial to create that spark of positive energy. I volunteer for selfish reasons because it fills me with a sense of self-worth and power that pushes me to succeed in my own life. While sparking joy into others, it also brings joy to me as well. I see that we are all one at the end of the day. I know this might sound cheesy, but wait a minute. The same elements at the heart of our universe runs through every plant, every tree, every ocean, every animal, even you. We are all stars made of the same stuff. We are all?symbiotic?connections to?one another. I am the universe, and so are you. For me, it seems very simple to understand that the same energy that flows through you flows through me, and when I help another human being, it helps me. That's why I spark so much joy. So my friend, when you're having a little moment and all seems dark and dim, try giving a little help to others to heal yourself in turn.

Why do I volunteer? Last night, when I was driving home after working for the Red Cross, running a first aid station for the Rose Parade, I thought about the New Year. About how people make resolutions, they do not keep. About how we spend the final time and how we spend the first part of the year. As I walked away to my car, I glanced over my shoulder and saw others working through the night, no task too small, no job too large. I realized, I volunteer to spend the last hours of the year helping others, healing those in need. I volunteer to spend the first hours of the year helping others to have a wonderful and safe New Year. I wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year. I wish you all to find the spark in whatever causes you to ask yourself why: Do?You, Volunteer!