I try to volunteer as much as I can with an organization here in Seattle called Outdoors for All. This past winter I had the opportunity to become a volunteer snowboard instructor with them. I had the pleasure of working with an autistic teenager who had never snowboarded in his life.
Now his goal is to become an instructor with us so that he can teach others the joys of snowboarding.
Right on!
I love volunteering with this organization for a few reasons. First of all, people always tell me what a great thing I’m doing…working with handicapped people and all. While this may be true, it never ceases to amaze me what I learn from the people I work with. Most of these people have the regular struggles the rest of us, but then they also have the additions of physical or mental disabilities on top of all the other troubles.
It really makes you put life into perspective. Many of these people were born with these disabilities…but many were not. Many were victims of car or bike accidents. Some are wounded veterans.
For example, there was a man at our demo day today that was probably around my age.
Up until 6 weeks ago he was in a coma. Today he dragged his buddy out to the lake to do some kayaking.
I met a young woman who probably wasn’t much younger than me who has been a paraplegic her whole life. She rides a bike regularly and today she thought she’d try kayaking. After a conversation, I think I have her convinced to come up and try skiing with us this winter.
My volunteer work is very inspiring.
Secondly, it creates a release valve for the pressure cooker of life. You have to slow down. You have to think clearly, because in some cases, someone else’s life is literally in your hands. I never thought about it that way until another volunteer, who is in a similar financial and employment situation, explained that is why he comes out to help.
In my opinion, much of what is missing in daily life are others helping others.
Thirdly, there is no judgement when we’re hanging out with the OFA group. Economic background, ethnic background, disabilities, political affiliations….none of that matters.
What matters is having fun.
My day always feels complete and my spirit feels free and happy after a day of volunteering with OFA.
To those who say, “oh it’s so great, what you’re doing. I wish I could do that,”
I’d like to say you CAN do it.
It’s like anything else, you’ll find the time to do it if you want to do it.
seattlebikebum 