It is in the Process of Helping that We Find Ourselves.

As I read (and re-read) this quote today, it reminds me of one of the greatest lies we have come to believe about helping. Whether it's helping people in need after a disaster, volunteering on crisis phone lines, lending a hand Friday mornings at a food bank, "helping others" is one of the greatest gifts we can offer, and also one of the best things we can do for ourselves.

When we give our time and energy to a greater cause, we are stepping outside of ourselves and our tightly controlled, well-maintained, world. We are reaching out into the unknown by placing ourselves in often difficult situations; maybe causing discomfort or awkwardness at times, and it is those emotions and feelings which help us grow as people.

So why then, do I mention lies? The false belief that just one person is unable to make a difference; the common refrain that "oh, I wish I could do more"; the often mentioned "but I have so little time".... those are the lies that keep us from DOING. Those are the things we allow to hold us back from getting out there.

Starting.
Showing up to that volunteer opportunity once a week.
Signing up.
Getting out of the house.

Accepting the potential awkwardness or discomfort we may feel in unusual situations.

As Mr. Ashe reminds us in this quote, what is important is not the size of one's giving. It is the fact that we place one foot in front of the other, leave our comfortable homes and offices, and go forward to embrace the journey of helping others. ✨️