To the editor,
Throughout my life, I thought that I was a kind and generous person. But, since I have had some life changing things happen to me (about three years ago now) I realize that all of my life I generally centered everything around myself. I was so self-absorbed, I didn’t really care for the needs of others, unless I had time. Do you know what? There never seemed to be enough time for anyone else but me.
Now I share some of my time with several different organizations and groups that devote their time and lives to helping others.
I will share just a few small instances where someone has reached out or that I have volunteered my time in sharing. These few small anecdotes brought such a fulfillment to my inner-self and to those that I was serving.
When I was new into my sobriety, I received a call from a friend of a friend. Our mutual friend was in serious trouble. That I was thought of in the first place to contact for help was an overwhelming rush of emotion, that I had never experienced. I will never forget that first deep gratifying surge of “Good Feel.”
Another instance was in Hospice care. I called on a client to give the caregiver a break. What happened was that I spent a couple of hours talking with the caregivers. They were so overwhelmed by the circumstances that they had volunteered for that they just needed someone to pour their hearts and thoughts out to. Another great gift that I received. Their gratitude for my open ears and closed mouth.
I volunteer at my church. Once a month through the winter, on a Sunday, we have Movie and a Meal. My friend is so fabulous at creating themes for this. I told her that she needs to be a party planner. Anyway, this brings out our elderly and singles, and people without family. After our first event this winter, I was so graciously thanked by one person in particular. She said that without this Movie and a Meal, that she would have never been able to have a meal like the one that she had just enjoyed. What another great gift. I thanked them, in tears, for inviting me into their congregation so that I could enjoy their friendship and compassion. Putting these few words down on paper right now brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
One more little story. I answer an abuse hotline once a month on a weekend when possible. Someone called for help. It wasn’t help of a domestic abuse kind, but I listened anyway. The person talked for an hour. All she needed was an ear, and someone to tell her that she was a valuable person, and that she wasn’t crazy. Another great gift that I received and all I had to do was have open ears.
The gifts that I have received by opening my heart and mind up to the needs of other human beings has so enriched my life. I would suggest to anyone, if you are alone, have time on your hands, or want to feel good, volunteer. It is a gift from God.
Cynthia J. Warren
International Falls, MN
