Here’s Why I LOVE Doing Community Service!
At the age of 13 or 14, I first got involved in community service, thanks to my mother’s suggestion. Just like going to church, it was not optional for us. She brought my sister, who was reluctant to join, and me to paint the interior of a building. While we were there, I observed that some of the volunteers were older or had disabilities. One of the adults, who was high on the spectrum for autism, turned out to be one of the quickest painters that day! He was zipping around us while enthusiastically listening to Usher’s song, "Let It Burn," which he had on repeat. Throughout my high school years, my mother continued to take us to various community service activities. Now, 19 years later, I am still actively participating in them.
To put it simply, there is one key thing that truly inspires me about volunteering and participating in community service. Of course, being helpful and contributing to the community is wonderful. However, the main reason I engage in it is that similar to my love for learning mixology, I can always discover new motivations to remain active and involved.
“Yummy, Gummy Worms”
As a man who is single and dates, I often feel a strong urge to share love or focus my attention on someone or something else. Like anyone with a generous heart, I enjoy doing nice things for others simply because I know it brings them joy. For example, when I'm with my 5-year-old daughter, I sometimes notice her eyeing candy or cookies at the checkout in the store. After pretending not to notice, I occasionally give her permission to take whatever she desires. She always seems thrilled to do so. However, since I co-parent, I can't always be with her. I enjoy these moments whenever they come.
Take Off Your Shoes & Relax
On different occasions, when I’m dating or getting to know a woman, I’ve been recognized as the kind of host who enjoys crafting a memorable experience. It doesn’t matter if I’ve just asked her to undress to enjoy the candlelit bubble bath I’ve prepared for her, complete with a glass of wine and some fruit and chocolate while I cook dinner, or if we’re simply going out on a date; I take pleasure in being romantic. I don’t do it out of obligation; I do it because I genuinely enjoy it. However, these women don’t live with me, and I’m not particularly fond of cohabitation, as it seems to dilute the initial connection people share. Occasionally, I’ve met women who were perfectly fine with being treated romantically without any pressure from me regarding a potential relationship. Yet, there have been times when some women developed feelings and began to seek more, which complicated our interactions. I have a big heart, but marriage and living together aren’t on my agenda. Having a girlfriend is perfectly fine, but that’s as far as I’m willing to go.
And It Won’t Stop
Volunteering at an animal shelter, helping out at a soup kitchen, walking for a good cause, donating money, or dedicating my time to be part of something greater than myself NEVER lets me down. Money and time are never wasted when given to those in need. This is why I do it! Of course, you might encounter someone special along the way, make new friends, or even snap a photo with a well-known figure in the community while doing what you love. That’s wonderful! I’m opened to it. However, the most rewarding aspect of community service is that it will always be there, no matter where life takes me. I can spend my whole life giving back!
