Lend a hand; it’s healthy!
You don't have to wait until Volunteer Week to pay it forward!
April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week. That’s interesting because I’ve really thought a lot about giving back lately. Just today, my friend Pat asked if I would talk to one of her coworkers who is undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. She thought it would help to talk with someone like me who’s been through it. I get a lot of requests like this, and I always say yes.
It seems I’ve been called to helping others alot these days. First Pink Ribbon Girls, asked me to serve on their board as a PR/communications officer. Then, after interviewing Jonny Imerman for my book, I felt compelled to volunteer for Imerman Angels and serve as a mentor another stage IV breast cancer survivor. I also keep up with volunteering for Meals on Wheels, which I’ve been doing since my recurrence two years ago, as well as donating time to my church.
My husband worries I’m doing too much, but there’s a selfish side to this. I know that helping people is contributing to my healing. It’s no surprise that giving back to others is one of the common attributes of survivors I interviewed for my book, From Incurable to Incredible.
The Corporation for National and Community Service recently documented major findings from more than 30 rigorous and longitudinal studies that reviewed the relationship between health and volunteering. They found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease. I believe they could also say the same for cancer.
The best advice my mother ever gave to me when I felt down was to volunteer. This, she said, would take me outside of myself and my own problems. I’ve found this to be very true. In fact, writing this blog and book has done wonders for increasing my joy and giving me a sense of purpose.
I encourage all of you, if you aren’t doing so already, to take advantage of opportunities to give back to others. It’s a great thing to do, and it helps you too!
sam elliston says:
Tami,
You are so right. Volunteering has always been the suggested activity for feeling better – your mother had the right idea. Since I work in the volunteer world, I am always tickled when people do studies that show volunteers are more healthy than people who don’t volunteer. It seems so obvious to me.
And don’t forget, there are lots of ways to informally provide service: smiling at the person you meet on the sidewalk, saying good morning to the employee of the store as you enter, putting money in parking meters that have expired to mention a few. And thank-you for your service to the Unity community.
tamilb says:
Thanks Sam! And thanks for everything you do at Unity! I have learned a lot about the joy of giving and receiving from Unity teachings.
Debby says:
I say a hearty “amen” to this post!! Volunteering, especially with cancer patients, has given a meaning and purpose for getting this stupid disease.
Jessica says:
I would agree with Debby – a hearty “amen”! Good luck with the volunteering!
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Lisa Evancho says:
Volunteer Week is one of the best events! Sometimes people understand importance of this even if they face some big problems like I did.