Volunteering doesn't just help others -- it may also benefit your health. Reviewers from the Corporation for National and Community Service (a government agency that promotes volunteerism) reviewed two decades of data from over 30 studies and found that volunteers had less depression, reported greater satisfaction with life, and lived longer than those who did not volunteer. Click here to read full article
I heard this story today and it just had a great impact on me so I figured I would share. Even though the world religions like to sit on their thrones and fight about their differences, the one thing that basically remains the same whether you believe in Christiantiy, Buddism, Hinduism, Judism, Islam...is the idea of giving your time, and talents to the "universe".
I'm so glad to here that there is an official study that states it's better to give than to receive... in more ways that just getting that ole warm and fuzzy feeling inside. That you actually benefit health wise as well. I believe that people who take the time to help others are generally happier and positive people. Maybe it's that reason why they are healthier and live longer lives.... you hardly ever see the grumpy,negative, Crachitesque people volunteering as their normal act of service to the world.
For the longest time I wanted to get into volunteering my time to help different non profits but held off doing so because the people I surrounded myself with did not feel the need to do so. It was always one excuse after the other. Even though I am a slow analyzer I do eventually get things done and felt the desire growing stronger and stronger until I had the courage enough to go out there and start volunteering.
I believe that if we could get everyone in the city of Easton to take a few hours a week to volunteer their time doing something or helping someone, this area would be a much better and happier place!
So I guess that is my challenge for you, if your not already involved, find something your passionate about and volunteer your time/services/mind. It may just cause you to live a happier healthier life in the process :)
LeFemme
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3 comments:
Hey, Nikkita--now THIS is good news for all the neighbors who have been working so hard to revitalize the West Ward over the last few years...
Nice post!
A note from Sophia Feller of the WWNP:
Dear West Wardians,
There are many events happening in Easton and the surrounding area on Saturday, Oct. 31 and they all sound like fun but if you want to get some exercise, help beautify the neighborhood, meet your neighbors, and work off some community service hours and volunteer all at the same time, then the Make a Difference Day event in the West Ward is for you. Along with your neighbors and students from Lafayette College, we will be cleaning out and mulching the tree wells on Northampton Street from 15th to 7th streets and planting daffodil and tulip bulbs at Dutchtown Park.
Here’s the schedule:
9:30 to Noon we will be cleaning out and mulching the tree wells. We’ll start at 15th Street and work our way back to 7th. Wear sturdy shoes and bring shovels, rakes, and work gloves if you have them.
Noon to 1:00 p.m. Cider and goodies at Dutchtown Park
1:00 to 4:00 we will be at Dutchtown Park planting daffodil and tulip bulbs. Bring shovels, trowels, bulb planters (if you have one), work gloves, etc.
You are welcome to join us for all or part of the day, children are welcome and encouraged to attend. There will be extra tools and work gloves available.
I have attached a poster that can be posted and/or given out to friends and neighbors.
Hope to see you there,
Sophia Feller
Administrative Assistant
West Ward Neighborhood Partnership
610.515.0891 ext. 4200
SFeller@caclv.org
Ah, finally some proof that Volunteering is healthy! See my post to Tim's blog about VISTA. Anyone who can take 2 years off and volunteer domestically, it is life enhancing for all concerned. Overseas, the Peace Corp still works its healing, as much for the volunteer.
Locally there are so many opportunities that await. My husband Earl directs a big volunteer group at his hospital.
One opportunity is "No One Dies Alone" where folk are trained to sit with the dying. Also his "volunteer chaplaincy" program brings much healing to the sick and well.
Thanks Nikkita for your posting!
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