Fulfillment Through Giving
Have you ever felt empty? Like something is missing? Do you have a list of achievements, yet you still feel unfulfilled? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Many people often encounter these same feelings. I even remember feeling like this at one point in my life. I would read articles on passion, purpose, and fulfillment trying to figure out how to get out of that funk. Through reading these articles, I found they all had one thing in common. Giving back to others. They believed giving to others or providing a service to others, provides a sense of fulfillment: a sense of purpose. Alice Walton, from The Science of Giving Back article points out, “Being part of something larger might be one of the best things we can do, both for others and ourselves.”
I couldn’t agree more. As soon as I started to actively and intentionally volunteer, donate, and engage in my community, I didn’t feel so empty. When I didn’t have time but was limited on funds, I would volunteer. When I didn’t have time but I had the funds, I would donate. When I didn’t have time or funds, I would try to engage in my community. Engaging in my community would be something as simple as doing a random good deed for some I encounter while navigating my day.
“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.” – Tony Robbins
Fulfillment is a great reason to give back to others. However, there are so many benefits to giving back:
It improves your health for both the mind and the body. Studies have found that those who volunteer benefit from reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and have a lower mortality rate than those who do not.
It provides new experiences and opportunities. It provides an opportunity for you to connect with like-minded people and even people who may provide a different perspective than you. Networking can lead to career opportunities, neighborhood resources, and more.
It contributes to your community. Whether it’s through community cleanup, community activities, or a simply act of kindness. You can gain sense of fulfillment through contributing to your community by making it a better place to live for everyone, including yourself.
Helps you find your purpose. If you want to find your purpose, do something for someone else. But don’t take my word for it. Mahatma Gandhi said it best, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
How will you lose yourself today?