The Gifts of Giving Back

Personal development involves doing something different than you have done in the past. Helping or being of service to another person can change the way you live and veiw the world around you.

How it all started...

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I spent a lot of time thinking about where I saw myself in the future, the job I would have, the apartment I would rent, and so on. I was constantly planning out how I might reach these imagined goals, but I never gave thought to much else. I was alwasy looking straight ahead, and focusing on my life path when I realized that I didn't feel fulfilled. I asked myself when and if I reached all of my goals would I then feel fulfilled?

The Change...

I haven't always had a carefree life, but I have had opportuinites that some people go with without. When I took a look at my life I realized that most of the time I thought about myself, and I wanted that to change. The medicine for a self propelled and selfish life is to do unselfish acts. Giving back in any form is acting in a selfless way. I made the decision to volunteer.

The Gifts of Giving Back...

I started my volunteering journey at the Mustard Seed helping with food preparation. I then got involved with the Read with Me program at the Calgary Public Library. The library has a variety of volunteering opportunites available. I contacted the program coordiantor and went through an interview process as well as training. I was then paired with a seven year old child who is just learning how to speak english. I meet with her once a week for an hour and we read together. It has been a wonderful, but challenging experience. I started volunteering purely for the reason of helping someone else, but the rewards I have received are tenfold. I realized that it is easy to take things forgranted, such as the ability to read, when for some people it is a big challenge. I feel grateful that I have the opportunity to work with this program.

Volunteering Opportunites Around Calgary...

Calgary Public Library:

• Computer Buddies
• Homework Help

Boys and Girls Club
Mustard Seed Calgary

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