The Joy of Giving

I Resolve... Promises to Keep
By Tom Ohling - chefpro@teleport.com
Your comments regarding this topic are welcome.
I'll look forward to hearing from you.

"In a world that increasingly seems beyond our control,
in a work place that often seems at odds with our personal goals,
a volunteer spirit can provide a path to personal expression and joy.''
- Tom Ohling

New Year's resolutions often take the form of trying to cure one or more of our own foibles: 'I resolve to lose weight', '...to exercise daily', '...do the dishes after every meal'. My track record with these resolutions isn't too good. In fact it is just downright dismal.

This year I am taking a different track. This year I am going to resolve to do something so easy and so rewarding that success is almost guaranteed. Here goes: I resolve to give more volunteer time.

That's it, short and sweet. Don't get me wrong, I have no illusion that making this commitment won't mean a few sacrifices and take some work. And, don't mistake this as some sort of attempt at sainthood.

I'll let you in on a secret: volunteering is one of the most selfish acts one can engage in. I will explain. Volunteering is the single most satisfying activity in which I have ever engaged.

Reaching out to help another distracts one's ego long enough for the refreshing experience of life to shine in like the warm touch from a beam of winter sunlight streaming through a break in a storm; at once, both invigorating and calming.

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary gives us this definition for voluntary: proceeding from the will or from one's own choice or consent. For 'Volunteer' the definition follows: a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service.

Volunteering is an act of the will. An exercise of choice. Seeing this root can put a refreshing spin on all that we do.

In a world that increasingly seems beyond our control, in a work place that often seems at odds with our personal goals, a volunteer spirit can provide a path to personal expression and joy.

A voluntary act is an expression of our willingness to serve. This necessarily brings our attention to those around us, our community.

The development of this willingness, this choice to serve is usually instantly rewarding. Teams become stronger when the members have the voluntary spirit. Workplaces become more efficient. Acquaintances become friends. Friendships become enduring.

Once this attitude has invaded your daily life, become a habit, the desire to do more is natural and opportunities abound. In his book, 'The Healing Power of Doing Good', author Allan Luks writes, "Our study indicated that once people become involved in healthy helping acts, they experience strong benefits and therefore are motivated to help all the more".

Reaching out to help the greater community is the next logical step from development of the voluntary heart. What starts at home and in the workplace soon grows to fill a greater sphere.

Mr. Luks book describes the incredible benefits of reaching into the community. Fortunately their are a multitude of ways to help. For us 'foodies' there are many paths that are close to our passion.

Engaging in volunteering can fit any schedule. By keeping ones eyes on others myriad opportunities will appear. An hour here and there can make a big difference and can be just as rewarding as a full day in the front lines.

Resolve to adopt a willingness to help in all that you do then let the joy of this attitude fill your heart, your home, your workplace and your community. It will be a great New Year.

Here are some opportunities:

1. When baking, make an extra batch of cookies, an additional loaf, a spare pie and take it to a local homeless shelter.

2. Call your children's school food service department and see if you can help in the cafeteria.

3. Deliver 'Meals-On-Wheels' to the homebound. It only takes an hour and there is always a need.

4. Use your food to introduce yourself to your neighbors or to renew old acquaintances.

5. Keep your cupboards clean by remembering the local foodbank on a monthly basis.

6. Share your talents at special events like Share Our Strength's Chefs Night Out.

7. Donate a catered dinner for two to a local charity auction.

8. Teach a cooking class through a local USDA extension service.

9. Make volunteering a family activity and plan time for doing community work together.

10. Remember that it isn't always what you do but how you do it. Exercise your willingness to serve by cultivating a voluntary heart.

Some books that have made a difference to me:

The Healing Power of Doing Good: The Health and Spiritual Benefits of helping Others, 1991 by Allan Luks and Peggy Payne, Ballantine Books

Instructions to the Cook: A Zen Master's Lessons in Living a Life That Matters, 1996 by the Zen Community of New York and Rick Fields, Bell Tower/Harmony Books

Mindfulness and Meaningful Work: Explorations in Right Livelihood, 1994 by Claude Whitmyer, Parallax Press.

75 Best Business Practices for Socially Responsible Companies, 1995 by The Social Venture Network, G.P. Putnam'sSons.

Tom Ohling, principle of
Presentations That Put Your Product in the Spotlight,
is a Portland chef, consultant and writer.

Your comments regarding this topic are welcome.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.

chefpro@teleport.com

Return to Joy of Giving

I welcome your comments, suggestions, additions, and requests. bcouch@recipelink.com