Most of the time it really is all about perspective. I can be sitting at home thinking that the world sucks, yet while I do that I am surrounded by a multitude of blessings and fortunes. I am safe, I am breathing, I am in a temperature controlled environment – that’s a pretty good start, right? I am already ahead of so many right there, and I’m barely getting started.
What is a way I can help cultivate this mindset of gratitude instead of a perceived feeling of lack?
One big answer to that for me is volunteering. Now, I am not going to list everything that I have done as a volunteer, because this post is not meant as a brag on how I’ve helped the world. In general, I’ve donated money and ran in 5Ks. I’ve coordinated events and sent emails. A little bit of this or that, but it has all lead to helping a cause greater than myself.
In all, I think that volunteering has many benefits, and there is something for everyone. No matter what your passion, you can find a way to help, and I don’t think there is anything wrong in volunteering because it makes you feel good. Volunteering helps us see the bigger picture, and in turn we realize how well off most of us are. Of course, hopefully this doesn’t create a feeling of “I’m better than you” or “I’m above this”, because that is not what I’m talking about. I am saying that by helping others you help yourself.
So, I encourage you to get out there and find a way to be of service – this could be new to you, or it might be time to change or add to what you already do. Either way, be proud of your efforts to help and see if it gives you a greater sense of gratitude – I know it works for me.
Most often I find a “peaceful and humble” feeling that warms my heart and clears my mind after volunteering. It’s those who can benefit who are the most important, not the annoyances of everyday life and just dealing with “stuff”. My wise mother said to me many times ” if you think and feel you have it so rough just look around you and you will see others that have it much tougher than you, have less than you, need what you have…..” She has been gone for 20 + years yet this still echoes in my mind often as I continue to travel through my life journey.