“Working for others” does not mean what you think it means. We all work for others on some level, even those who are self-employed and own their own businesses work for their customers. “Working for others” refers to work that is done without the reward of monetary compensation. It refers to doing the work of the heart.

The work of the heart may very well be your vocation, but for many, it is not. You may have to find your work of the heart outside your place of employment. If you are lucky, and if you are living your life's purpose, the two may well exist in one place.

Volunteering

Volunteering is about working for others. It is about giving your time and efforts to formal organizations. It is one of the mainstays of compassion and caring in this nation. There are countless organizations that need your time and efforts. From Meals on Wheels to soup kitchens to the American Red Cross to local libraries, there is always a need for human-touch interaction and assistance.

You may be asking, “Why would I volunteer? I can barely do all that needs to be done now.” The answer is quite simple. Volunteering can help other people, and it can help you find a part of yourself that may have been dormant until now. Volunteering can be the creative, expressive, human-touch outlet that brings you delight, comfort, and a peace within your own soul.

Following are some of the places that you might consider formally volunteering:

• A group that does tax preparation for the poor or elderly

• AARP 55 Alive (driving program)

• Museums and performing arts venues

• Environmental organizations that assist with cleanup efforts

• Voter registration and Election Day assistance

• Organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Red Cross, Earthwatch, Habitat for Humanity, Peace Corps, etc.

Helping Those in Need

There are many avenues to working for others beyond the formal volunteer organizations. You need not become a part of the United Way or Meals on Wheels to offer true, genuine, needed assistance.

Following are some seldom-thought-of, informal ways that you can help others and your surrounding community:

• Cook a meal for a family that you see struggling.

• Recycle and try to get others to do it as well.

• Volunteer to read to children at the library.

• Serve meals at a soup kitchen.

• Be a model of good manners and polite behavior.

• Sit with an Alzheimer's patient so the family can have a night off.

• Send out one “thank you” or “I'm thinking of you” every day.

Doing the work of the heart isn't about money or status; it is about your innate desire to move humanity forward. It is about helping others understand that there is still goodness and kindness in the world. In return, you'll be utterly amazed at how quickly and easily your own world and view begins to change.