I volunteer at a cat shelter. It's not that I don't like people, but I really do love animals.

Hmm. I work with people in retail, which is not very glamourous but I try my best to practice kindness each and every day, even if the people around me do not.

I am very slow to judge and try to put myself in other people's shoes and am much more honest and real in relationships. I try to really "hear" the other person and find out what they really need like perhaps they just need to be heard without my offering advice.Much more compassionate and loving to all people now.

I work a Suicide hotline 2 nights a week. I also Volunteer as a baby rocker at our local hospital and work at Ronald McDonald House during the Summer months when my business is slower.

My son spent many hours, days, weeks in that hospital throughout his life with one life threatening illness or another and the Volunteers and Ronald McDonald House folks were a Godsend.

Baby Rocking...I think I get more out of this, than what I give back, its very calming and soothing just sitting in a quiet corner rocking newborns.

I used to do a lot but now I don't do too much of anything however I am working at it again... I'm seeing my doc and will soon be restarting therapy....I look forward to getting back involved in volunteer work....It really does feel good to give

I don't do anything, I can't even take care of myself, I have nothing to give.

i've volunteered here and there for most of my adult life.

i have been shown such incredible kindness at times, so i know how good that makes a person feel in their soul. so i try to give a little back

it's very cool that you volunteer at an animal shelter sadie. my next gig will be at a shelter here, as a dog walker (as soon as i can properly walk again) i am plum crazy about dogs! i adore them!!

I am a Random Act Of Kindness , kind of person.

I also like to give encouragement and a kind word when I see someone who looks like they need a little human TLC

random acts of kindness randomly! i volunteer when needed if available and try and help someone most days even if it is just with a smile or a brief hello. It was easier when I was at home. Now that I have more interaction with the world I can help more people but I am finding the 'bad stuff'' very overwhelming.

I listen...
To the problems of others without judgment.

Occasionally I recommend more sleep, less self judgment, and better self care...

Then I love on.....

I like to volunteer at my local library and help my family most of the time. Sometimes I like to donate goods mindfully and that makes me feel really great.

My job as a radiation therapist is to help people. I also o volunteer work for nursing homes and the Salvation Army. I have been having to slow down because of the BP, immune system and now rheumatoid arthritis but it is important to me to do for others.

I think it's easier for people like us, groups with certain Disorders...we get so used to all the "bad" that we see and have to deal with in our lives that giving to and helping others so that they don't have to suffer through the "bad" is almost a form of therapy for us.

There are a lot of great peeps on this Board who do alot of great things to help others!

katlyn, YES, there are so many people here who help others and I agree that it is because we see and experience so much bad. It's almost like a knee-jerk reaction to help where and when and how we can. I love to hear all of these things - makes me feel great about being part of this group. Also, gives me ideas!

Those of you who are able to help through your careers are blessed. I remember when I waitressed through college how I was able to be a light to my fellow employees and brighten the days of my guests. Also, during my career in real estate I was able to help with a great attitude and honest dealings - a true desire to help others achieve their dreams.

Now that I am not working, I have found some other ways to help. I co-direct a pen pals to prison ministry at my local rescue mission and share my faith and encouragement with female prisoners nationwide. I am part of a homeless ministry where a couple of girlfriends and I set up at a 7-11 (with permission from the owner) and grill up hot meals for the homeless once a month. I carry around bags of non-perishable food and toiletries for when I see homeless on the streets. I am a part of Project Angel Hugs where I get a list of sick children every month with their specific issues and stages of illness and pray for them. I walk dogs, clean cages, fold laundry, do dishes, etc at our local dog shelter (I wish I could help with the kitties too but I'm so allergic!). I am a chemo angel, writing and sending cards and small gifts to a woman going through chemo. I do the same for an elderly blind woman as a senior angel. I write to wounded soldiers and veterans, and send cards and small gifts to terminally ill children - mostly with cancer.
I was asked last week to lead a NAMI support group and am considering it, tho I do better with things that I can "drop in" on cuz I suck with appts/time commitments. And I ALWAYS talk to strangers, give out genuine compliments, and SMILE, SMILE, SMILE.

Heretic,
Every time I see you post I am so glad that you are here! Of course the worst thing most can imagine is being homeless. We know it is very hard for you, but you are persevering.

I have less fear because of you, and that is a gift. Did you have any luck with the org you were referred to? I hope so. (((Hugs)))