ost of us experience some degree of loneliness from time to time. Perhaps we are sad, upset or are simply avoiding others and before we know it, we feel lonely. So, what can we do? Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, you might try volunteering. Volunteering not only benefits others, it also benefits you. You meet new people, develop a greater sense of purpose, discover new parts of yourself and gain the satisfaction of helping others and being a part of a community.
Many organizations could simply not exist without volunteerism. If you search the word "volunteer" on the internet, you will find pages of agencies seeking volunteers. The yellow pages of your phone book will also contain lists of organizations in need of volunteers.
Stop! Before you fall back on the excuse of not having time or not having any talent or ability to offer, remember that you can volunteer as little or as much time as you are able, and that many agencies will train volunteers. Some volunteer jobs require only basic abilities such as reading, delivering items from one office to another, serving food or simply filling boxes with donated items. However, if you do have special talents, training or abilities, there are many agencies which would be happy to place you in volunteer jobs which utilize those abilities.
While many volunteer jobs are aimed at helping others who cannot help themselves, remember that volunteers are required in a variety of circumstances. Hospitals use volunteers to deliver mail and flowers to patients, to work in the gift shop, and even to rock babies in the nursery. There are volunteer agencies that do such things as help train people for the job market, arrange for experienced gardeners to assist novice gardeners around the city, help small business owners cope with paperwork, and teach new skills such as learning to use computers.
Many agencies will ask what you are interested in volunteering with, while others will list the jobs they have available. There are online sites that do both and allow you to search through lists of possibilities in order to find a match that suits you.
To begin, think about the amount of time you would be willing and able to donate. Determine which days and how many hours you have available during the month. Think about what abilities you have to offer. Are you a leader or are you better at following directions? Do you relate well to the elderly, children or animals? Do you own your own tools or equipment to use during volunteering? Are you outgoing and friendly or quiet and shy? Do you have a vehicle at your disposal?
If you are the friendly type and have a vehicle, consider Meals on Wheels where you deliver meals to the elderly who are either unable to cook or get out on their own. Many tend to be very lonely and appreciate the opportunity to chat with someone. You can step out of your own loneliness and help alleviate theirs.
If you feel you have little talent or ability to offer, call a food bank or soup kitchen. They always need help filling boxes with donated food and loading the boxes into cars, or simply serving food in a food line or washing up endless mountains of dishes. Regardless, there are always people around with whom you can cultivate a friendship, even if for only one day.
Even if you do not drive and have no car, there are many options for volunteering. By contacting local agencies you may locate someone nearby who is in need of something you can offer. Perhaps they are in need of someone to read to them or someone to help with minor chores they can not do for themselves because of age or inability.
Convalescent homes or retirement centers may accept volunteers to spend time with their residents. Perhaps you could teach dance, piano, crafts, knitting or painting to elderly people who still need to keep sharp by learning new things.
The best way to get a friend is to be a friend. Extend a hand to volunteer and many hands will reach out to you. By taking a step or two outside of your comfort zone, you may find that you are not as shy as you might think. You may even find that you are downright outgoing! And you might also find that the self-satisfaction derived from volunteering can go a long way to help you in dealing with your own loneliness.
