For decades I have done some sort of volunteer work but I’ll admit that a big reason for doing so was because I thought I “should.” Come on, fess up – were you ever motivated to volunteer because it would look good on a resume? Or you felt it somehow made you a better person? But, like me, I bet you discovered that once you fully throw yourself into the act of service, a miraculous thing occurs: when you give, you get.

I just returned from a seven day volunteering project with one of the greatest highs of my life. What a gift it was to step out of myself and support others in such a non-egoic way. I once again learned how service is a way to feel a deeper connection to others, one’s authentic (non ego) Self and to God/Spirit/Universe/Source (whatever word floats your boat in terms of spirituality lingo). Through the simple act of selfless service and giving from the heart without any expectation, we receive feelings of joy, gratitude, and grace. How cool is that?

If you have volunteered in the past but have not had quite the experience I am describing, do not beat yourself up! Connecting with a way of being of service that resonates with you is an important ingredient. Perhaps you have not found a way to give that brings forward your unique gifts and personality. My encouragement to you today is to search for ways to be of service that you want to do – not things you think you should do. Frame it like a job search and use all your resources and researching skills to a find a perfect service project fit. Our society over emphasizes finding a job you are passionate about. I assert it is equally (if not more) important to find a way to be of service that lights you up and allows you to shine your light.

Being of service comes with a 100% guarantee of infinite blessings and the awareness that you only get what you give.

Fondly,

Christine

“I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.” – Thomas Jefferson

“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran

The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” – Albert Einstein