Volunteering Towards a Better Future

I was told, not too long ago, that volunteer work prolongs one's life.

Should this statement be true (which I believe it is) I should live a long and happy existence.

I remember being involved in volunteer and community projects back into grade school. Back then it didn't mean as much to me as it currently does, but it always felt good to know I was doing something good for someone besides myself.

After getting sick in high school and living the true realities of helplessness and hopelessness, I have found great joy, over the more recent years, in donating my time to various organizations and projects.

Several years ago I came across a program run through the Forest Service called Passport in Time. It allows volunteers the opportunity to work alongside archaeologists, mainly, in projects of all sorts. My first outing was in Nevada and involved survey and recording of historic charcoal kilns. My second time out, I was in Utah restoring an historic guard station.

Just a few weeks back I drove to Montana to help restore and old bunkhouse on a historical homestead.

Three days' drive up and back was well worth the time and effort to experience the backwoods of Montana. Just outside Missoula, we drove nearly an hour down a dirt road deep into the Lolo National Forest. The location couldn't have been better; my accomodations (in the 'executive suite', as it came to be known) were far better than expected; the company was fun and unique; the food only added to my thunderous thighs!

More than that, though, I felt good about giving back.

Ever since my 'retirement' seven years ago, people of all sorts have made it clear to me that I am inferior, a liar, a fake. Why people feel the need to belittle another in this way is beyond me. I consider myself, overall, a really great person. I'm honest and kind, generous and reliable. My friends are precious entities and I try my hardest to make people feel welcomed and appreciated.

The outside influences are not of my doing or control. But I can work to better myself and my community/country/world.

And that's what I'm doing.

By giving back, I feel better. And when I feel better, life is far more enjoyable.

So why not do what brings you joy?

I can only hope that one day all my 'good deeds' will be repaid (karma), that my true worth will be recognized and my skills put to the best use possible.

But until then, I will continue to help where I can. Working, when money is not involved, isn't really work. It's fun and selfless.

The way it should be.