Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 12:37:03
I saw a notice in the local paper that our science centre was looking for volunteers. I didn't even know we had a science centre! I help in the gift shop, filling orders for school groups when they come in. I'm pretty certain that I'll be buying a lot of the cool things they sell. It's really nostalgic to see things like radiometers, prisms, and my personal favourite, the pet tornado!
It was such a relief to be able to do this. Very low anxiety - think about it - you're choosing the organization and not the other way around. No chance of rejection unless it's a poor fit, I suppose. It's just a couple of hours a week, but it gets me outside my front door, which can be a big deal some days. And I have xanax if I truly freak out, although just knowing that it's sitting in my purse is medicine enough.
When you volunteer, everybody is happy to see you, as you lighten the load for others. I'm glad I'm at a place in my recovery where I can help someone else.
Scratchpad
Posted by 10derHeart on April 6, 2007, at 12:31:14
In reply to I'm a volunteer, posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 12:37:03
I think this is absolutely wonderful!I was so very glad to read this. It sounds just right for you, right now, and satisfying, too.
Yes, volunteers are usually much-loved, and it's so win-win for both parties, ya' know?
:-)
Posted by Declan on April 6, 2007, at 16:34:00
In reply to Re: I'm a volunteer » scratchpad, posted by 10derHeart on April 6, 2007, at 12:31:14
It's been great for me too.
People are very nice, especially at the bottom level where you just want to help and don't want anything back.
Higher up the politics starts, at least at the radio station, but it won't be something I'm involved in.
I really like the lack of egotism.
Posted by Poet on April 6, 2007, at 17:42:49
In reply to I'm a volunteer, posted by scratchpad on April 5, 2007, at 12:37:03
Hi Scratchpad,
I'd be lost in a science center gift shop, since I don't know a radiometer from a tvmeter (feable attempt at humor.) How does the pet tornado work? I'm picturing a test tub that you spin and it looks like a tornado. Then again when all three of my cats rip through the house it's a pet tornado. Can you tell my education is pure liberal arts?
Glad you found something that you like doing and where I know they will appreciate having you.
Poet
Posted by scratchpad on April 6, 2007, at 20:41:00
In reply to Re: I'm a volunteer » scratchpad, posted by Poet on April 6, 2007, at 17:42:49
The pet tornado: it's a sealed cylinder of liquid about 4" tall. When you hold it in your hand and swirl the tube, it starts a tornado in the liquid. (There's a little picture of a house coming up off the ground at the bottom. Maybe I like it because it's Wizard of Oz-ish.) I certainly don't know how it works, or why the motion continues when you stop swirling the tube; which is a shame, because that's the whole point of the toy!!!!
It certainly reminds me of a great aspect about my childhood - we had lots of educational and engaging toys like this.
sp
Posted by Phillipa on April 7, 2007, at 21:48:39
In reply to Re: I'm a volunteer » Poet, posted by scratchpad on April 6, 2007, at 20:41:00
Congrats that was how I got into nursing. Volunteering on the psych floor of a hospital. It opened many doors for me. Love Phillipa
Posted by Yasbo on April 13, 2007, at 8:44:56
In reply to Re: I'm a volunteer » scratchpad, posted by Phillipa on April 7, 2007, at 21:48:39
It can be great to volunteer and has done wonders for me at times. But... be careful of being sucked in too far. People do welcome you and appreciate you... and then sometimes get to rely on you... and then sometimes need to depend on you... and all of a sudden you end up with 5 different volunteering activities taking up 30+ hours each week, and feel guilty at not being able to be all things to all people. Or at least that has been my experience.
I'm not criticising volunteering - NOT AT ALL!! It's been great for me in many ways. Just remember to look after yourself too and take on only as much as you can cope with.
Well done! Keep up the good work!
xx
> Congrats that was how I got into nursing. Volunteering on the psych floor of a hospital. It opened many doors for me. Love Phillipa
Posted by scratchpad on May 2, 2007, at 10:28:49
In reply to Re: I'm a volunteer, posted by Yasbo on April 13, 2007, at 8:44:56
So far I've been able to keep my hours to 6 per week. It's been exhilarating to do something with enthusiasm instead of dread for a change.
sp
This is the end of the thread.
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