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By: Rachael Wyder
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, and to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Instead of writing this blog about Cincinnati office furniture or my career as a Project Manager at OstermanCron, I wanted to talk about something very near and dear to me- volunteering. Growing up, my parents embodied Emerson’s philosophy and taught me by example through the virtues of compassion and selflessness.
So, what better way to show this than through volunteering? I volunteer because I want to be able to say I changed something in the world and in the lives of others. Volunteering gives meaning to me, and besides just looking after myself, it’s for others too. We all want to live, work, and play in communities that are well taken care of and safe. I have found that volunteering is one of the best ways you can simply give back unconditionally and make an impact upon the community in which you live.
With the demands of everyday life, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. I know through my work at OstermanCron of organizing office furniture installations and keeping projects running on track, this can be hard at times. However, I know it’s in my best interest to make time.
One of my favorite volunteer opportunities has been through The Marvin Lewis Community Fund. During my time there, I have found that volunteering can reduce stress, provide self-confidence, and life satisfaction. It offers a sense of purpose and meaning in life and brings a boost of self-esteem when people feel needed. Volunteering provides you with the opportunity to develop new skills, enhance the skills you already have, utilize existing expertise, and challenge yourself with assignments that expand beyond your comfort zone.
Finally, volunteering brings people together. Whether it is with friends, family members, or co-workers, it can be a bonding experience that creates lasting memories. No matter what the project may be, you are bound to meet new people and hopefully, get more out of it than what you give.
