The real essence of this experience is not taking but giving. It is almost impossible to put into words the importance of giving to people so to see something changing in this world. But if there is something that I understood in all these years is that volunteering is something that grows inside you, not a duty, but a need. The need to do something to help others, to give and to make something for this crazy, complicated and sick world where everything seems to go fast and there is no time for real values and feelings. And when you realise that even doing a small part, the help that you give can be meaningful and valuable for others, you start thinking that maybe that small part is worth much more than many big things you might ever do.
One of the first thing that I learned from all these years of voluntary job is that if you don’t like how the things are, you should do something to change them instead of complaining. I learned that “the tender loving care of human beings will never become obsolete” and that “if you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others”. I have learned that you can communicate without saying words, that you can change the day of someone just using your kindness and a smile. I have learned that being responsible is the key to volunteering and that trying to keep your calm is useful when others are anxious. And I learned that working in a team is essential but difficult and at times tiring. Definitely challenging. I learned that creating good relations with people is important. Volunteering is not about working alone but sharing the same intention with other people who have your same passion.
Once I jumped into the picture, there was a big tree and hands instead of leaves. The soul of volunteering is in that. Being part of such a big life like the life of a tree is the purpose of growing together and helping the world grow in the way we would like it to.
But the other side of this choice of life (because volunteering is exactly this) is what you receive by giving. Unexpectedly you will find yourself richer than before with a child’s drawing or a smile or a word that can change a bad day. Receiving is not the purpose but it’s part of the life of that tree. What you plant will later grow new life and what you receive is part of new life as well.
Every experience of volunteering is different and unique. At the end you will find yourself thinking about how different you are from the person you were before and you will almost forget what you gave but for sure you will not forget people and moments who gave you something, changed your perspective and taught you something new that you carry with you.