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Volunteer anybody?

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 7/20/2011 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
I was just thinking today how I would like to volunteer to do something. The only thing is that I get so tired easily and I never know how I am going to feel. I can't even finish what I want to do at the house. My doctors ask me what I do with my days. I feel it's work to keep healthy for me. I know if maybe I give of myself you usually will feel better about yourself. I know sometimes having to much time on your hands is not good either. Do any of you volunteer?
Posted 7/20/2011 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Since living here on Long Island, I do not volunteer as much, but I do offer help any time possible for my celiac support group.  If something came up that I really thought was a good thing to help with, I definitely would. smilewinkgrin
Posted 7/20/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
In the past, I've done quite a bit of volunteer work, helping out in special ed classrooms, special olympics, nursing homes, a food bank. I served on numerous neighborhood commitees and boards.
I no longer volunteer in that kind of capacity, because of my health issues, but will gladly offer to help a neighbor when needed.

If you are able to do it, I recomend it...it always feels good to help others.

Hugs, Robin
Posted 7/20/2011 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
I volunteer at a shelter for abused women and children; however, due to pain I have not been able to fulfill my obligations and can only work the odd hour here and there. I feel very bad about that because I find it helps me a great deal to focus on something other than me and pain! Hopefully this will let up soon so I am able to resume more activities. I highly recommend volunteering if you are able. It can be so gratifying!
Posted 7/20/2011 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
That's a tough one. I've had to back out of several volunteer "jobs" because A) the actual work became too much for me or B) I was unable to keep up with the recurring commitment (too many bad health days).

I found that I do much better if I volunteer for things I can do at home or on my own time or if I volunteer for very short term projects, like a one day bake sale or something similar. Most of my volunteering takes place within the confines of my church, just because there are lots of opportunities and many of them are very short term.

I've thought about looking into charities where you make blankets, pillow cases, etc. for sick or displaced kids since I can do that on my own time. I have hand problems, though, and I'm not sure they would cooperate, but I like the idea.
Posted 7/20/2011 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
ak angel, great post and Austenfan I like the idea of making pillow cases or blankets..

I volunteer at my church but like all the other posts, I feel horrible when I can't keep a committment..I also help take an elderly friend to her doc appts when I am up to it..She took care of me when I was a little girl, and we recently reconnected...God is so good...she is onery and a very dry sense of humor...some would say she is down right rude...but I love being able to help her and it comes back to me big time.

I would say start out small, find something in your area or see if there is a local fibro community that could use some help on the computer.. I also when able just greet at my church...just stand and smile. the last thing I'd say is don't don't don't...and this is HARD, don't feel guilty if you can't keep your committment..in fact, why not just say at the outset, "hey I may be having a bad day when this date comes around..' honestly is always the best policy...

step out and try...I promise you will reap the benefits!!

Jerrie/FibroNana
Posted 7/20/2011 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
I volunteer at the local humane shelter- no , I can't do the cleaning and feeding, but I take pictures of all the cats that come thru to be put up on the internet (pet finder) newspaper, and our local tv cable channel. Alot of our cats are adopted on their photo alone- I also help with our local dog trainer with the obedience classes and take pictures of all the dogs for her. It is a great feeling to help out, and it helps me when I am having a bad day to spend some time with a cute little kitten. I also take in the orphan kittens that need to be bottle fed- some as young as 1 day old.
Posted 7/21/2011 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Just by reading everybody response it makes me feel not so bad. I have been wanting to do some volunteer work, but when I think I can then comes a flare. I really would like to get out more and I thought this would make me feel better. My friends tell me that you don't have to work 8 hrs. It could be for a few hrs. I guess it's just making that first move. My dr.s are always asking me what am I doing to stay busy at home. I do suffer from depression, so they don't like me to have to much time on my hands. You can easily do the poor me syndrome. So I am interested in trying something new if my body will work with me.
Posted 7/21/2011 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses & as you probably know, we're known for our dooor-to-door Bible teaching work, which I enjoy very much. All of JWs spend as much time in this activity as we personally are able to. I used to spend a few hours each week doing this work, but that's no longer possible. Now, and only with assistance, I go out a couple of times a month. I do write letters ocassionally but it's not the same as having an exchange with someone. Fortunately, being whole-souled is giving 100% whether on paper its 2 hours or 20. What counts is doing my best. That's the tricky part of fibro sometimes. As with any other limiting illness, our boundaries are forced to change. The struggle is learning to accept our limitations with grace and no guilt.
Posted 2/12/2012 7:15 PM (GMT 0)

Dotkom said...
I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses & as you probably know, we're known for our dooor-to-door Bible teaching work, which I enjoy very much. All of JWs spend as much time in this activity as we personally are able to. I used to spend a few hours each week doing this work, but that's no longer possible. Now, and only with assistance, I go out a couple of times a month. I do write letters ocassionally but it's not the same as having an exchange with someone. Fortunately, being whole-souled is giving 100% whether on paper its 2 hours or 20. What counts is doing my best. That's the tricky part of fibro sometimes. As with any other limiting illness, our boundaries are forced to change. The struggle is learning to accept our limitations with grace and no guilt.


Hello DotKom,

I was going to ask how you could keep up with the ministry work, but you have made it clear that you are limited, so my question is how can one even begin when they are all ready limited, and there is much to do as a Jehovah's Witness?

Trying to make a start,
Forever Amber
Posted 2/12/2012 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
I volunteer once a week at an animal shelter. They allow the dogs to socialize in a huge indoor play area; and I supervise them with a few other volunteers. If I am particularly tired, it is OK to just sit on one of the benches, and some of the dogs jump up by me. Being an animal lover, contact with the dogs helps me feel better.

Free Spirit
Posted 2/12/2012 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
I volenteer at two different places one my church where my husband and I lead a group of over 50's this is fun and everyone knows about my fibro and support me if I can not be there so be it, this takes up 3 hours one day a week.

Another place I volenteer is a food bank we started out at one afternoon a week we are now up to three.

We arrive at 4pm to sort out food and set what we are giving away that afternoon. We are there about two and half hours again this is run by friends and if I am having a bad day they tell me to sit down and talk to them.

I am lucky we live in a small town (20,000]and I grew up here so know a lot of people and have a large group of friends around me.

Volenteering also at a Museum here one day a fortnite my daughter is my boss so to speak so if I am having a bad day she tells me to stay home.

For me volenteering gets me out of the house meeting new people and having laughter and other peoples worries to take my mind of my own problems.

Yes it is hard at time but to me the outcome is worth it

Kathy

FMS,CFS,IBS,Migraine

 

Posted 2/13/2012 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Our hospital accepts volunteers for many different areas of work. A few examples are being a greeter/information person at the lobby entrance, helping with clerical work/copying off paperwork. They are getting ready to start a volunteer activity position in our patient care unit where people can come in to visit with patients or do an activity with them (set up a DVD, do a crossword, word seek, etc.). If you check with your local hospital, you may find they have the perfect opportunity for you -- one that isn't too demanding or for long hours. We even have people who come in to run the hospital gift shop for a couple hours at a time.
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