What being kind to others can do for your own wellbeing
This is my contribution to Robert Hruzeks’ group writing project “What I learned from the generosity of others”
It will be 5 years in January since I set up Cameron Consulting. Prior to that I worked with the an international firm of accountants as a tax consultant but towards the end I was responsible for reviewing the firm’s relationship and engagement with the community here in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For the first time this gave me access and insight to the wonderful projects that exist to support our vulnerable and less fortunate neighbours.
I have heard so many stories about people who recognise a need and instead of saying “someone should do something about that” they say “what can I do about that?” These people drive on often with very little funding and usually with very little support or for that matter “spare” time – to make a difference.
The support can come from anywhere. Sometimes the firm was approached for financial help but – even though financial support is crucial to the future of any projects – I was often told that when someone took a personal interest in what was going on that was very valuable indeed.
It was demonstrated most memorably for me when I visited the Belfast office just after the Special Olympics had been held in Ireland. It had been agreed that any staff who wanted to could have time away from the office to offer help to the athletes as they arrived and during the event. The purpose of my trip to Belfast was to speak to colleagues and get their thoughts on how the firm was engaging with the community there genearlly . In fact people were bursting to tell me about their their Special Olympics experience – of hefting luggage onto buses and to the accommodation, running errands, doing whatever needed done at the time. There were many photographs and the joy on everyone’s faces was clear to see. The local news covered the fact that a group of accountants in an international firm was happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in when needed – which was welcome PR but I know that when I spoke to the people who had been involved it had been a very special personal experience.
As time has passed I have heard stories like this over and over again – of people getting involved in something worthwhile and how that made them feel. Sometimes it is about realising how well off they are. I have heard about people using the skills that they have and take for granted in a way that benefits someone else enormously. Younger folks often talk about how it helps build experience in areas that cannot readily be accessed in the workplace eg project managment and communications. I have to stress that I have never had anyone tell me about how great they are that they do something for others.
In my own experience and from what I hear doing something for others is that it is worthwhile, often humbling and can be incredibly uplifting. If you do it for no other reason than the “feel good factor” I would highly recommend looking for a way to get involved in something that helps others.
Nov 26, 2008
Well said, Jackie. A lot of people don’t realize how much time and money support charities all over the world. I think we all have a natural desire to give – we just don’t always think about it very much.
Nov 26, 2008
Great reasons, Jackie, for getting involved in whatever we happen to believe it worthwhile. I look back and wonder, what blessings have I missed by being so selfish with my time…
Thanks for the contribution to this month’s WILF!
Cheers!
Nov 27, 2008
Brad – I think often people get involved when the opportunity to do so comes to them. Involvement has more chance of being sustainable if it means something personally . My daughter has diabetes which is why I support the charity here in Scotland for people with the condition. I take part in events supporting people with cancer as my mum and a couple of good buddies have had the disease.
I worked in a community for a while where it was clear to see why people were personally involved on a voluntary basis – and how much good it did both parties!
Nov 27, 2008
Ah now Bob – I would prefer everyone to think about what they have done rather than what has been missed. It is better to be content with that and look for other opportunities in future surely?
Sometimes by supporting or encouraging others who are volunteering we are doing far more than we realise.
Dec 02, 2008
I’m working on a handicapped children’s camp board, and it gives great pleasure each year when I go with other Rotary members to help bring them a Carnival. What spirit they have is infectious.
Thanks for a wonderful contribution, Jackie.
Dec 08, 2008
Hi Robyn. It is hard to describe how rewarding it can be to get involved like this – the best way is to do it and see…. Thanks for sharing. I bet the Carnival is a blast for everybody!
Dec 08, 2008
[...] What being kind to others can do for your own wellbeing, by Jackie Cameron at Jackie Cameron [...]
Dec 08, 2008
I work for a turtle conservation group and we often have to raise our own funds to run certain projects because people normally do not donate tonnes of money to save some turtles. Hence I know what it is like trying to raise some funds from the general public as well as from companies/businesses.
We always feel very indebted to people who donate so generously to our projects that we do not know what we can do to return the favour.
Dec 08, 2008
Pelf – you know sometimes the act of giving and knowing that it will be used for benefit is enough thanks. I wonder if you raise donations by asking people to “adopt” a turtle. When she was younger my daughter loved everything about whales ( still does actually – and donkeys ) and she paid out of her pocket money to adopt a what. Now of course her contribution did not pay for the upkeep of a whale – it was a live creature being monitored by specialists in the ocean – but it became personal for her and she learned a lot about their lives. Maybe that wider education about turtles is the very thing you can give back.
Thanks for your comment
Dec 15, 2008
When you do something good for someone, apart for getting reward from someone the best thing that happens to us is ” we get satisfaction”. The good feeling arrives in our heart.