"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -Mahatma Ghandi
Nowadays it is easy for people to lose sight of the world around them as they focus on their own personal endeavors and initiatives. In truth, this is not surprising, and is not something to look down upon, as this world is a demanding one and taking care of oneself is important nonetheless. However, the need for service is one that will always prevail, and every effort, no matter how big or small, helps to make a difference.
Whether it be with the environment, people, animals, or various other facets, every community hosts a variety of needs characteristic to that locale, as a result of the course of history and the path in which the area took its form. Now, it is time for communities as a whole to become aware and join together in the effort of improving conditions to the best that they are able. After all, your community is a part of who you are. The responsibility of ensuring the well-being of a community lies in the hands of those who make it up. When things are not improving, they are becoming stagnant or worsening. What kind of world are we promoting if we allow this to be the case?
If there is one thing that matters most in the world, it is to make a difference in something that is greater than just yourself. If you are not leaving behind an impact on the world, then you are merely just existing.
Cleveland State University is home to an organization called Viking Expeditions. This organization performs local service within the Northeast Ohio area, as well as in areas across the country (and occasionally the globe).
Looking back on one of my recent volunteer trips with Viking Expeditions, I find myself in awe of how much of a difference those with a service-oriented mind can have on others, their community, and the world as a whole. While working with Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County, I was granted the opportunity to help roof a home in South Clinton, Tennessee and construct a set for a community theater in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as well as the pleasure to work with and meet a group of individuals with an ever-inspiring dedication to contributing to something that is greater than themselves.
At several points, it was suggested to our group of 18 diverse, collegiate students that we would perhaps rather be spending our Spring Break somewhere on a beach, having "fun." When I reflect on this statement, I can't help but to think that this couldn't be any further from the truth. There is nowhere else I would have rather been and it truly is exactly where I was meant to be. I am profoundly grateful for any opportunity I have to serve others, and I wish to spend the extent of my life doing just that, to make any and every difference that I am able. Meeting like-minded individuals, both in and out of our group, across all ages of the spectrum, only helped to solidify this aspiration even more. On one of our last days there I met an older, retired couple who still dedicated their lives to volunteering, both locally with Habitat, and in other countries. I couldn't be more grateful to be involved with an organization like Viking Expeditions and to have the ability to spread the spirit and lifestyle of service on to others as I progress myself as a person.
In order to create a more balanced world, importance lies in the spirit of service, helping, compassion, and companionship being spread across communities. After all, as members of this world, providing service to others is also providing service to onesself.
From here, I challenge you to find time this month to spend a few hours volunteering in or outside of your community. Reflect afterwards. *Warning: once you begin, it may be difficult to stop.*
