By Tony Aloise
“The best antidote I know for worry is work. The best cure for weariness is the challenge of helping someone who is even more tired. One of the great ironies of life is this: he or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.” Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008)
Encouraging and inspiring volunteerism has been a theme of my retirement, so much so that I started two networks with like-minded people: first, Volunteer NKY and then the Greater Cincinnati Mentor Alliance (now We Mentor Cincy). Volunteerism is selfless service…for our community, church, family and friends. It can be an individual effort or through an organization. Volunteerism is worthy of advocacy.
I believe we should seek volunteer roles and assignments that build on our talents and passions while satisfying our needs to thrive. With this alignment comes sustainable service AND personal growth while we serve. We won’t tire of it; we get energy from it.
Purpose can activate our passions, talents and needs to thrive:
Your passion could be mentoring youth, politics, the arts, the environment, veterans, addictions, etc.
Your strengths could be listening, writing, cooking, technology, art, etc.
Your needs could be spiritual, social, learning, travelling etc.
Volunteering can be life changing if you let it. Mentoring is a special type of volunteering. It deserves consideration because “it’s the most powerful skillset a human being can possess.” We grow as we give. Whatever you choose, choose to make a difference.
