“I feel I get so much more out of volunteering than I give.” I have heard this sentiment most often while working with volunteers over the years. Volunteers come in ready to help others, make a difference, and give back to the community they love, not realizing the impact it will have on them and their own journey in life.

Retirement is one of those transitional moments in life when one door closes and another one opens. This is an exciting yet scary time for many as they say good-bye to the past, make sense of the years that have gone by, and enter into the unknown world of retirement wondering, “What is next?”

If you’re like most people approaching retirement, you spend your working years thinking of all the fun and restful days you will have when you finally retire. The truth is that work gives meaning and purpose to our lives. When you lose that meaning and purpose for getting up every day you can be left with an emptiness, a void and a feeling of disconnect from the world around you.

During your work life you may have been fortunate to have had a job that you truly felt inspired to do every day. If you were not inspired you may have been counting the days to retirement. Too often job choices are not based on that inner calling or deep passion within. Choices are often determined by the pay scale, skills, vacation time offered, health benefits, and yes, retirement plan. The priorities are paying the mortgage, putting food on the table, and getting the kids through college.

No matter what you did for work it can play a huge role in defining who you are. Often, one of the first questions people ask is, “So, what do you do?” That question is typically answered with what you did for work instead of all the other pieces that make you who you are. In leaving the working world you may be left trying to find a new identity or your true identity.

Volunteering is a great opportunity in helping you transition from the working world into the world of retirement. It is an opportunity to find something you truly feel inspired to do, something that lights that fire from deep within. Researching the many non profits in your area can be exciting. There are many websites that make this easy including www.volunteermaine.org. You will learn a lot about the community you live in and the great need out there for so many. Contact those organizations that interest you and learn as much as you can from their website about who they are; you will know when you find that right place.

Volunteering gives you a connection to the outside world where you can use the many skills you have developed over the years. It is an opportunity to meet others with the same passion. You can feel good knowing you are making a difference in the world. Maybe you were helped in the past and this is your chance to “pay it forward.” Many talk about the life lessons and the growth they experience through their volunteer work — and that is priceless.

In my work, I have found that volunteers either come right after they retire or after they have given themselves some time to just rest and rejuvenate. It is important to keep a clear mind as you embark on this next journey and begin when you feel ready. If you don’t know what you are most passionate about, take time to process that.

Do you love animals? Volunteer for a shelter where you can be with animals every week. Do you love kids and love to read? Check with your local library to see if you can get involved in reading programs. Do you love your dog and feel your dog is great with people? Look into getting your dog trained as a pet therapy dog and visit with patients at the hospital, in the nursing home, or for your local hospice program. Do you love the outdoors and hiking? Volunteer for an outdoor organization leading hikes or volunteering on their board.

Maybe you have lost someone to cancer, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s. Try volunteering for an organization and join in the fight against these diseases. You may already know of an organization that helped you or a family member, therefore you understand that volunteers are an important piece of the work they do. Contact them and find out how you can get involved.

According to data compiled by the Social Security Administration a man reaching the age of 65 today is expected to live, on average, until age 84.3. A woman turning age 65 is expected to live, on average, until age 86.6 (www.ssa.gov). If you have made it to retirement you have many years of fulfilling your passion and making a difference.

If you want to make a difference in the world, help someone in need, and give back to the community you love — consider volunteering. This is a great opportunity to do what you love and what you feel most passionate about. Enjoy the transition from the working world into retirement. This is a journey to discover more about who you are and all you can do for the world around you. You too can feel like you are getting more than what you give.

If you’re interested in volunteering, call 207-777-7740 and ask for extension 1280. To view any upcoming training classes, visit www.ahch.org/News-Events/Calendar

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