One Debra, Free of Charge
Three years ago, I was at my breaking point emotionally. I had volunteered concurrently with survivors of sexual abuse/domestic violence and with senior citizens at less-than-stellar long-term care facilities. It had taken a toll on me that I couldn't seem to overcome. I thought moving away from that and working with victims of natural disasters would be a lighter load but really, any heartache is heartache and I was too far gone at that point to help anyone. So with a heavy heart and a wave of guilt, I resigned my posts and focused on digging myself out of that black hole.
But now it's been three long years of rejuvenation and it's been decades since I've been this long without a volunteer job. I would love to get back out there but I'm a little gunshy. My heart still feels for the people I was helping before but I don't think I can go through that again. I end up carrying those burdens on my heart and I tend to be too sensitive anyway... so I know now, it isn't healthy for me.
So what to do instead? I would love to do something I love -- event planning, teaching, or working with animals. Do you have any ideas? I'm not sure where to start. I'm excited to find something that helps me CONNECT with my community.
2012 goals, charity, volunteering in About Well-Being 
Reader Comments (3)
You describe yourself as "too sensitive." Do you feel that others take advantage of you? That when you volunteer, you are incapable of saying, "No"? I think it's admirable that you can volunteer to carry another's burden and still feel the weight of it. Some grow weary and quit, while others lose their empathy but keep going out of some sense of pride. I don't imagine you to be the kind to embrace either option.
Perhaps you could find ways around your own neighborhood to be an uplifter and encouragement to others. Is their a neighbor who has a hard time fetching their paper? Or hauling out their trash bins? Little things like that take no time and yet are mountainous in their affect, on both the giver and the receiver.
Look local would be my suggestion. But stick with something small. Dip your toes back in slowly . . .
I agree with Brian. Ease back into it slowly. We have a group here that maintains walking trails. You could look for something like that, perhaps. Good for you for getting out there.
Brian -- No, I've never felt taken advantage of. When you're looking into the eyes of someone hurting and needing help, I can't imagine there's anything they could ask that would be too much to do. I guess looking out for my neighbors is just something I do, I don't really consider that volunteering. I'm looking for a real position in a company. I'll find something, I'm sure. And definitely local. :)
Mary -- Thanks for the idea. I'll see what's out there.
Thanks, guys!