There's a lot more to life than just working to support yourself. Sometimes you need to do just that, but often we have more flexibility to enjoy and appreciate the world around us. We can take joy and pleasure in the experiences we have, the people we encounter, and the accomplishments we achieve. However there's another part of life that I think is important for everyone, and that's giving of yourself to help others.

I believe that almost everyone should volunteer their time or resources and give back to society. We should all work to make this a better world for everyone. Whether this is through a church, a non-profit, your local community or some other way, we are all better off for the efforts. I also believe this isn't something you do constantly throughout your life, though if please feel free to do so. Some of us will volunteer when we are young, some when we retire. The important thing is that when we are able to do so, we act.

Giving of yourself helps others, and it can provide you with positive feelings. It can also be good for your career. This piece talks a bit about the traits of those people that give, and it seems they often find their own personal success grows. This is because the way they view themselves, their time, and their accomplishments, changes when they help others. Volunteering can reduce stress, and may help you enjoy your job more. That last item might be the most important reason of all.

This is something you can learn to do, by making time to help others at work, or in your life. Please be sure to balance this with the rest of your life, but you might find that taking a little of your free time to help others ends up improving the quality of your life, well beyond the price you pay in accomplishing less yourself. However please volunteer because you want to, not because you want to look good or add an item to your resume. Give because you want to give.

Steve Jones

The Voice of the DBA Podcasts

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