Hey there!
I just want to take a minute to express my moment of revelation.
So, I have spent the last how ever many years learning about Recreation Therapy. I have been preaching the benefits to friends, family, and even strangers. I have...as much as possible, followed my own words in regards to recreation and leisure.
I understand that each individual has different needs and interests in rec and leisure. I understand that those needs can vary. Some people enjoy playing sports, or cooking, or displaying some form of art work. I have written countless essays and exams questions regarding the variety of ways an individual can experience meaningful participation and self-fulfillment through leisure and recreation.
Today. I experienced it in a way I NEVER expected.
I started volunteering. And I mean, For REAL this time. I have had sooo many volunteer and placement experiences during my education; they all required me to do a minimum number of volunteer hours with X organization etc. etc. I had this obligation to volunteer. As my mom would say I was "Volun-told".
I remember when I was itty bitty and my mom volunteered a ridiculous amount of hours to help her work, her friends' works, her friends' personal organizations etc. from Christmas party prep to Relay for Life cancer walks; my mom is a volunteer MACHINE! And I never REAAALLY understood why. No one had forced her. She didn't have to do it in order to keep her job, or to keep her friends. But she did it out of the goodness of her heart and up until now, I never really understood.
Let me back track a little more. Last week, a friend of mine, who used to be my placement supervisor and teacher in college, texted me asking if I could help her out. During my last week as her intern, I went with her to Jays Care Challenger Baseball Coach Training. It was my last week, I didn't need to go, but hey, a road trip is a road trip. Why not?
Well, fast forward to present day and she needs more coaches. So I commit to helping her out once a week (and maybe a few weekends here and there) to coach a youth baseball team.
For those of you who don't know, I did my final placement/internship with a Children's Center; they help support children with unique needs. From special needs, developmental disabilities to physical disabilities and everything in between; these kiddos are ROCK STARS.
So I worked with them for 7 weeks; fell in love with this new aspect of the Recreation Therapy field (I always had my heart set on seniors...). So now, I get the chance to hangout and coach these kiddos. Super Awesome!
Well, little did I know that last night (the first practice) I leave the baseball field and sit in my car with the BIGGEST grin on my face.
I don't remember the last time I felt so satisfied. I had an immense sense of self-purpose and meaningful participation after that practice. I never understood the true joy and purity of volunteering without obligation.
I felt a sense of high; in the Rec world, we call it 'flow'. When your needs and skill level hit the perfect contrast of challenge and difficulty for you to flourish. I have felt flow before, but not balanced with the sense of purpose that volunteering did.
So all of this to say:
NEVER count out something that you have never done before (or even have done) as not worth your time or effort. Try EVERYTHING and ANYTHING with an open heart and open mindset. Experience absolutely every opportunity. It may bring you a greater joy than you could have ever imagined.
Until next time...
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