Addicts are often labeled as selfish individuals, while volunteers are seen as selfless humanitarians. Looking back on my 20-year battle with drugs and alcohol, I can’t disagree with that characterization. I committed countless selfish acts, hurt the people I loved most, and offered empty apologies for my behavior. My life revolved around escaping my personal hell, and that pain led to decisions that only deepened the hurt—for myself and others.
When I got sober on March 6, 2015, I finally realized the extent of the damage my selfish actions had caused. That’s when I made the decision to try to right as many wrongs as I could as part of my recovery process. The day I came home from rehab, I began researching volunteer opportunities.
Why Volunteering Matters
To me, volunteer work represents the purest form of selflessness—the opposite of selfishness. In the months following my return from rehab, I began volunteering for organizations that meant something to me personally. Today, I’m proud to serve as a volunteer with Golden Retriever Rescue in Nebraska (GRRIN), Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, and the LiveWise Coalition.
The satisfaction and pride I feel when giving my time and energy to these amazing organizations are difficult to put into words. It’s an honor to work alongside the dedicated individuals who give so much of themselves to make a difference. In my experience, true recovery begins when you stop serving yourself and start serving others.
Overcoming the “I Don’t Have Time” Excuse
One of the most common excuses I hear from people in recovery is, “I don’t have time to volunteer.” The truth is, most people want to volunteer—they just haven’t made it a priority.
Addicts always managed to find time to drink, use, and hunt down their next fix—a process that can be incredibly time-consuming. In sobriety, those same hours can be repurposed to make a positive impact. If you have a couple of free hours each month, that’s all it takes to start giving back.
Finding the Right Opportunity
Volunteering is most rewarding when it’s connected to something you care deeply about. Ask yourself: What cause is meaningful to me?
Addiction often stems from trauma, so doing some soul-searching to identify how your experiences might help others can guide your decision. Thousands of charitable organizations are always in need of volunteers, and they’ll welcome your support with open arms.
When you selflessly give your time to others, you’ll find that your recovery is accelerated in ways you never imagined.
The Essence of Life
“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” – Aristotle
This quote captures the heart of recovery and the spirit of volunteerism. Serving others is not only fulfilling but also transformative. It allows you to rebuild your life on a foundation of gratitude, empathy, and purpose.
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Tags: addicts, selfish, selfless, volunteer