I VOLUNTEER! I VOLUNTEER AS {happy}

Volunteering has has received a very distinguishing, altruistic reputation for a very long time. But telling people volunteering is good for them because it's the right thing to do seems to have created a rift between those who do volunteer their time, and those who think nothing of volunteering.

I am going to say the things you aren't supposed to say about volunteer work. People who volunteer do it because they enjoy it. It's as simple as that. So why will volunteering make you a happier person? Once again it isn't because you'll feel warm and fuzzy about “doing the right thing”. Volunteer work will give you a connection to your community, which in turn gives you a feeling of having the ability to make a difference.

If you don't think that's a big deal then just think about the last time at work or school when you had an amazing idea that you knew would never see the light of day. It is so incredibly frustrating to feel as though you have no say and no impact on your surroundings. Giving your time to helping your local Salvation Army, helping your friend with their psychology homework, or helping someone move their belongings to a new place can all impact your feeling of having an impact on the lives around you.

Go make an impact on your neighbor's life and feel the benefits of making a difference!

Never before has man had such a great capacity to control his own environment, to end hunger, poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and human misery. We have the power to make the best generation of mankind in the history of the world. - President John F. Kennedy