By: Lisa Blomgren, Transformations Alumni Coordinator
It was suggested to me early in recovery that I should get involved with some volunteer work. My first thought was “why would I do that?” I was already extremely busy with my other commitments. I was doing IOP 3 times a week, hitting daily meetings, working, partaking in self-care activities as recommended by my therapist, and trying to build friendships in a completely foreign state. My sponsor explained to me that volunteer work was one of the best ways that I could give back to my community and make living amends. Living amends involves giving of yourself and being intentional in wanting to change the way that you live your life and treat others.
She also told me that it was a way that I could learn to change deeply ingrained behaviors within myself as I continued to live my newly sober, honest life. I had spent many years being selfish. I had put my substance use above everything and everyone else. My friends, my family, and my community. My first instinct was always to act out of “survival” to get my next high and make it through the day. Most of my relationships were centered around what I could get from someone or what they could do for me, and I wasn’t a productive, contributing member of society. I hesitantly heeded her advice and got connected with a local beach clean-up that met monthly, and it quickly changed my perception and life.
Volunteer work has many benefits. The most obvious is that it helps the local community, but I also realized that it had the power to help me on a much deeper, personal level. One of the most important things that we can do in recovery is get active and social, and that can be extremely challenging. I was accustomed to flying solo, I was new to the area, and I had severe social anxiety. Volunteer work introduced me to some amazing people and helped me expand my support network. There is also a host of research that volunteer work can help with both anxiety and depression. I immediately noticed decreased anxiety levels as those early morning clean-ups continued and decreased depression as I found a deeper sense of purpose. Volunteer work also kept me productive, out of trouble and greatly improved my self-esteem.
Volunteer work was a way of making living amends and finding redemption. Through volunteer work, I was able to unpack that heavy suitcase of guilt that I had carried into recovery with me. I felt lighter and my step work took on a deeper meaning.
There are so many incredible volunteer opportunities here in Palm Beach County. If you would like to get involved in some volunteer work, follow the link below or get in touch with me or Mike from the Alumni department!
Click for Monthly Volunteer Opportunities in PBC
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