Lessons I Learned from the “Kindness Revolution” (A Celebration of Volunteerism)

Last saturday, I attended Hands On Manila’s Kindness Revolution where VOLUNTEERISM was celebrated. Several volunteer organizations and charity groups were present in the event but more importantly 5 zealous change makers delivered impassioned talks that really moved the crowd. From their speeches, I was able to take away several quotes, lessons, insights and realizations that I would like to convey with the rest of the world through this concise but meaningful blog post.

From the first speaker, Shaina Tantuico, the co-founder and executive director of JeepNeed:

1. Reflection makes a difference. It’s during reflection that you learn the most!

2. You learn more about yourself when serving others!

3. Embrace your fears ; being comfortable is no longer safe!

From the second speaker, Ana Kristina Arce, a deaf advocate who stands for the cause of believing in the ability of a person, instead of focusing on the person’s disability:

1. Appreciate who you are!

2. Always find ways to communicate.

3. Think outside the box!

4. Don’t just volunteer, volunteer with HEART! ❤

From the third speaker, Rendy Eligio who is currently heading the community pillar of ADP Philippines’ CSR initiative called “CIRCLES”:

1. You can’t blame others for saying NO.

2. You will face challenges and people will give excuses but don’t give up!

3. Lead by EXAMPLE!

4. Do what you think is right, somebody else might just be waiting for you to do it before they do.

5. It has to start SOMEWHERE by SOMEONE.

From the fourth speaker, Ica Fernandez who currently works for the Office of the President and is part of PAGASA (Peoples Assembly for Genuine Alternatives to Social Apathy):

1. Relationships are both means and ends of transformation.

2. I am because WE are.

3. EVERYONE matters!

4. Find a way to CONTRIBUTE!

From the final speaker, Jose “Quest” Villanueva III, a Filipino singer and songwriter, known for his song “Sige Lang” in 2012. Quest is a hip-hop and R&B singer wherein he won ‘Best Urban Music Video for 2010’ at the MYX Awards Philippines

1. Wherever you go, wherever you are, there’s a need, there’s a problem.

2. VISION: Have a vision in your life; Begin with an end in your mind.

3. PASSION: Do what you LOVE, LOVE what you do.

4. FAITH: It takes faith to embody your VISION and fuel your PASSION!

It truly was a lesson filled and inspirational event. I truly hope that everyone is able to embody and apply these lessons and values that these Change Makers highlighted in their talks. What matters  most is that you don’t only take these lessons to heart, but that you also take ACTION! Like Rendy said, “It has to start SOMEWHERE by SOMEONE,” and why can’t that someone be YOU?

-DOitChoco

Step Out of your Comfort Zone, Take the Initiative, Be the Change and Volunteer TODAY!

The harsh reality is that it’s human nature for us to choose the easier and more comfortable path. At the same time, it is also human nature for us to do things that bring us happiness but the things we do and spend our time on, more often than not, rewards us only with partial and transient happiness. How then does one attain genuine fulfillment and happiness? Well, the formula for authentic happiness isn’t that perplexing, it’s quite simple actually.

It all starts with a simple ideal called “Volunteerism.” One doesn’t need to be exuding with altruism or benevolence to volunteer, all it takes is one simple step and the rest will fall into place. This crucial and vital stride is more commonly known as, “Stepping out of your comfort zone.” 

To a lot of us, stepping out of our comfort zone is not the simplest or most facile of tasks. It takes a lot of willpower, potency, self-esteem but most importantly, a lot of heart. Volunteering entails that you leave all your superciliousness and ego outside as you enter a whole new environment.

It’s about putting everything aside, becoming more aware of your surroundings and simply caring more. Once you are able to do the aforementioned, you are well on your way to attaining that unparalleled genuine happiness that everyone desires. 

Today, we need more people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and make a difference in the world. It’s not just about personal fulfillment anymore, it’s about being humane, and simply caring more about life and our society.

 A lot of people complain about how imperfect and flawed our society is but they don’t even ponder upon the possibility that their complacency may be the root cause for the flawed society they live in. The key to solving this is to have the INITIATIVE. The initiative to be the CHANGE you want to see.

So what are you waiting for? Volunteer TODAY! It doesn’t have to be so grand or colossal, even simple acts like volunteering to cook for your family, participating in your local charity program, starting a Green initiative or just the simple act of volunteering to teach your siblings or classmates who are having a hard time can make a big difference.

 Rome wasn’t built in one day. These simple acts you voluntarily do will build up and a ripple effect will start, and before you know it, what didn’t seem like anything then was the start of something new. Aside from that, volunteering is about building the habit. The habit of caring more about the “You/Them” and less about the “Me.”

Aside from the surreal feeling one gets after volunteering for a just cause, volunteering goes a long way. For instance, when you volunteer in a Youth Organization, a Christmas Charity Program, a Peer Counselors Club or maybe even a Teach to Read program, you get to meet new people, broaden your horizons, experience new things, all while making a difference in the lives of others.

We won’t live forever but volunteering and taking the initiative to make something happen can change the lives of many. Isn’t this what life is about? Life is about finding that purpose that will bring you fulfillment and enable you to sincerely say that you made the most out of your life. What better way to leave a legacy then by VOLUNTEERING!

You’ll be amazed how much YOU can make a difference as long as you have the will to. There are so many outlets out there for you to and find your niche and share your talent and passion to others. You have no excuses for information is so easily accessible now a days, from announcements in Social Media sites to just simply going to Google and searching for local organizations.

Think about the smiles, joys and happiness that you won’t only attain but you’ll also be able to bring to others as well; that alone is reason enough to start volunteering. Don’t wait until it is too late, make a difference TODAY!

-DOitChoco

PS. For local Filipinos out there who are interested in volunteering and making a difference, I’ve done the research for you and I’ve found a list of volunteer orgs you can join:

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/7-volunteer-orgs-to-share-your-talents-with-this-summer

Just in time for the season, one of the organizations that will be having a back to school project is Hands On Manila. Please do check out their Facebook page for details on how you can make a difference TODAY:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hands-On-Manila/80263279481?fref=ts

 

One Decision, Two Choices

Every day, we are faced with a profuse number of decisions to make. These decision range from minuscule and peripheral decisions to decisions that can shape your future and change your life for the rest of the way. When faced with inconsequential decisions, one can decided impulsively in an instant without any hesitation, but the same cannot be said when faced with decisions that have so much in stake.

These types of decisions are made even harder and more crucifying when one has to choose between two choices that are equally right and consequential. It becomes a really dreadful and exasperating process choosing between two things that can both possibly shape your life. Even when weighing the pros and cons of both options, a deadlock still emerges for they both offer the same amount of benefits and drawbacks.

When this happens, one starts to look at the possible outcomes and what it can do for his/her future. Like they say, we only live once, and there are some choices that we have to make that will forever impact our life and once made, there will be no looking back.

This is the dilemma I face right now, having to choose between two things that are so different but at the same time so alike. Two things that mean so much to me yet there can only be one. Two things that have so much mystery and uncertainty clouding them. Two things that if I commit to will definitely shape who I am and all my experiences in the near future.

Aside from your inner demons constantly arguing for the different choices and options regularly, added to the equation are your friends, family and other outsiders who try to help you but end up confusing you even more. I’ve realized that you should ask for the opinion of others for they might have a different perspective, but at the same time, it’s just as vital to follow your heart and know what you want for it’s still your life and you should be ultimately be able to live up to your decision and have no regrets.

Situations like these can be a daunting, mind-blowing, heart wrenching process that can drive people crazy but that’s life for you. There’s no use in stressing yourself, over thinking and worrying about the future for there are a myriad of possibilities that can happen that you truly cannot tell what will unfold in the next day, month or week.

I guess it’s time to listen to my own advice, follow my heart, make a final decision, commit myself, and pray for the best!

-DOitChoco