"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." — Albert Einstein
What does Einstein mean by this saying, quoted in the New York Times, June 20, 1932, edition? Einstein’s saying refers to the concept of service and its importance. But what is service? Why is service important? And how does it make one’s life ‘worthwhile’?
As a fifth-generation 4-H’er, I find the results from a study by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University published in December of 2013 to be true; "4-H’ers are nearly 4 times more likely to make contributions to their communities". Through 4-H, I have learned that participating in service work has numerous different benefits for all. Curious about what service is? What these benefits are and how you could benefit? I invite you to join me on a journey as we explore what service is and some of the many benefits that service offers.
There are several definitions of service from work orders given, public offenders to volunteering. Many definitions of service include helping or doing work for someone else without expecting payment; also known as volunteering. I personally believe that volunteering is the most important form of service and that it offers the most positive benefits for all. Frequently, service projects are dedicated to improving communities.
There are several different examples of how service may be used to improve communities such as renovation, beautification and fundraising. I personally have been involved in numerous community service projects and have observed the importance of service and the benefits that it can provide for an entire community.
One of my favorite opportunities has been helping renovate a local park. This ongoing project has involved cleaning the park, painting equipment, trimming grass and shrubs to create a better appearance and hosting social gatherings for community members to see the renovations. I have seen firsthand how renovating the park has brought together the community; it is a new gathering place that reminds community members of the importance of working together.
Hopefully, the definitions and examples I have shared help you to better understand service and its importance. While there are benefits of service that apply to communities and those that inhabitants, what are the benefits for those that participate in service work? Those that participate in service projects are more likely to be physically active. Some service projects, from planting flowers at a nursing home to rebuilding a house for disaster victims, require physical labor. Being an active volunteer can require physical labor; thus, keeping volunteers physically active.
Additionally, those that volunteer are more likely to be happier. In her article, Voluntarily Happy, published in Good Housekeeping in November 2011, Gretchen Rubin says that; “While it's absolutely true that helping other people makes us happier… when we're unhappy, we tend to be preoccupied with our own problems.” This happiness may lead to an increase in self-confidence. Personally, seeing others enjoying different aspects of service projects I have been involved with reminds me that I helped accomplish something for a good cause.
As you can hopefully see, there are many personal benefits of service that may be obtained. I have found that when you serve someone else, you are truly serving yourself as well since benefits are sure to follow if only you recognize them. How can you reap some of the benefits of service?
An easy place to start is by looking in your community to see if there are any opportunities that you may join to help improve your community! If you cannot find any current opportunities in your community to join, look around to see what you think could be improved within your community and start your own project! There is always a way that you can make your life more worthwhile if only you believe that serving others will make your life worthwhile.