It’s hard to find time in our crazy, hectic and fast-paced lives for ourselves. Between all the projects, responsibilities, events, meetings and obligations to work, family and friends, who has a second to spare to sit back and relax? As you know, I’m not so great at this either (but I’m certainly trying).
And in the midst of all the hubbub and chaos we call life, have you ever thought about those whose lives are completely different than ours? Sure, you drive your newly-washed car to work with the air-conditioning on high–but what about the person standing on the corner in the blistering heat who has just been laid off, can’t find work, can’t afford groceries and needs a little help? What about the families who have lost loved ones in a tragic accident? Or those who live paycheck to paycheck simply trying to make ends meet?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely one of those car drivers. Since college graduation, my primary focus has been on getting my life in order and working like crazy. But you see, sometimes that’s just not enough. Do you ever find yourself asking, “Is this fulfilling?”
Lending a hand
In high school, I was a member of the National Charity League’s Houston Hearts Chapter. As a group, we offered our assistance to the community in a variety of ways, volunteering at food pantries, fundraising and giving our time and energy to local causes. In college, my sorority regularly participated in various campus fundraising events and held our own. It was always such a rewarding feeling to know that I was contributing to something bigger.
As New Year’s quickly approached last December, I found myself going through the same everyday routine and asking what my life was missing. After giving this more thought and examining how much time I had to offer and dedicate to something else, I ended up here in February 2010.
One may ask, “How did you find this place?” Well friends, it actually hits pretty close to home. In January 2001, my mother died. As you can probably guess, there weren’t many 15-year-olds in my school who had experienced something as traumatic as this. High school is a cookie-cutter world–everyone looks the same, dresses the same, does the same things after school… There wasn’t much room in all of that for sadness, tears or time for kids to try to relate or console. (And despite having great friends who tried their very best to be there, it was difficult–to say the least.)
So, I went to Bo’s Place for a couple months. Without going into much detail here, let’s just say that without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today without having gone there. Bo’s Place is simply magical.
After training to become a facilitator–which in and of itself basically became a part-time job–I am now a facilitator who is giving back to the place that made such a difference to me. I can’t imagine volunteering my time anywhere else. No matter how tired I am or how crazy my day has been, I leave all of that nonsense at the front door. Knowing that I am walking into the same environment that more-or-less saved my life as a teenager makes me realize that there’s not a single place I’d rather be at that exact moment.
My question to you is–what do you do to give back and help others?
If you currently volunteer your time, I’d love to hear what you’re doing. If you’re not quite there yet, think about finding the time to make a difference in your own way. Whether big or small acts of kindness, the ways we each individually give of ourselves for the betterment of the communities in which we live can be profound. I challenge you to make that positive impact–trust me, it truly can change someone’s life.
- L
