The Joy of Volunteering
I apologize for being a little self-indulgent for this piece. Looking back to the beginning of my retirement a few years ago, one of my main concerns was filling my time (I'm not very good at being idle).
Thankfully, my concern did not last very long as I was asked to take on the treasurer position for the social group committee at a senior centre that I had begun to frequent. I guess that I fumbled my way through that with some competence because I was later asked to work with other non-profit social groups.
I have come to realize that there are many things that I could do at 40 years of age that I cannot do now at 70. However, there are just as many things that I can do now that I did not have the knowledge to do at 40.
This year, I found myself working with a group organizing the 'Christmas on the Peninsula' festival in White Rock, British Columbia. It was an amazing experience to be a part of a group of volunteers who donate their time for weeks to put on a one-day festival of music, food, vendors of unique gift items and, most importantly, smiling happy people.
It's always about the people and interaction that is the great joy of volunteering. I have found the most rewarding experience in my senior years.
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