Find a one-of-a-kind treasure. Volunteer

When I was in college, I used one Saturday afternoon a month to spend with a nursing home resident. Many people in adult nursing homes have very few visits from anyone. This is understandable since a nursing home is not some place you go to "feel good". Nonetheless, If you are up for the challenge, this is one of the best and most appreciated uses of your volunteer time.

First I met with a director of a nursing home and told her I wanted to do some volunteer work. She assigned me a lady who was having difficulty transitioning to her new home and community, and was feeling very isolated. The director said this lady was feeling lost and needed human interaction-someone to listen. Well I still remember my Saturday afternoons with Ms. Dollie Emmons.

I would pick Ms. Emmons up around noon, and take her to lunch. She told the same stories over and over and called me by another name often. I really didn't mind though, I knew she was thrilled just to have my attention and she had many interesting stories of life from another time and era. Yes, there were times I would cringe of embarrassment when she would insist on emptying her urinary catheter in front of the Luby's Restaurant we were about to enter! And I'll never forget the time she tried on underwear over her clothes IN THE CHECKOUT LANE at Wal-mart to make sure they fit. But these awkward experiences actually make for great laughs and memories of how stubborn and sassy, unique and enjoyable, but mostly just lonely this lady was. We shared many laughs and I will treasure her memory.

She has passed on since then. But I still recall some of our ventures and smile. You can be a positive influence in someone's life and add depth to your own life experience by volunteering.

http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.sixdegrees.org/
http://www.iparticipate.org/