How many of you volunteer?  

How do you like to volunteer?

I’ve been volunteering for many years now and as I go, I’m learning what I like and don’t like. 

I love being an individual contributor more than I like managing teams of volunteers. For example, I liked being the head coach of a team and working with one assistant coach. I also like helping someone else who is in charge and being part of a team. I prefer the support role vs. the leader role, even though I can do both.  

Today I volunteered to be a chaperone on Charlie’s field trip and I loved it. I loved having 4 kids to watch over and guide and I loved supporting Charlie’s class and sharing the morning with him.

This is an ideal way of volunteering.

Yesterday I volunteered at our thrift store, helping to sort the clothing donations and I loved this too. I loved having a specific task to do, and talking with the manager as we worked side by side. I like greeting the people making donations and I liked being part of our philanthropic organization.

Tonight I volunteered at our church, hosting a dinner banquet for 160 people.

This was a bit more challenging for me and out of my comfort zone.

Every time I work outside of my comfort zone though, I learn and grow and always realize things typically turn out great, even when your fearful of failing. I learned how to work in an industrial kitchen. I learned to let go and trust others. I learned to be flexible and I learned to have fun while making new friends. And I had fun creating something new that others enjoyed.

Volunteering gives us an opportunity to work side by side with others, creating good for society. I do enjoy many aspects of volunteering and am discovering my strengths and weaknesses. I think it’s good to give and I hope to give more in the areas I’m good at. How about you?  

Go out and serve others. It’s good for them and it’s good for you!

Namaste.