I’m a big fan of volunteering if it’s someone else. I’ve done a lot of it in my life, and I decided there is something wrong with showing up, getting bossed around, and not getting paid. If someone wants to pay me, they’ve earned the right to tell me everything I do wrong—otherwise they don’t.

I’ve been in charge of volunteers, so I get it. It can be like giving directions four times to a person who has trouble hearing, seeing, and walking, and expecting them to climb the ladder and place the star. It’s a challenge.

All of that being true, I decided to volunteer at a thrift store. I’m pretty good at organizing, helping people, and getting tasks done.

Last Friday was my first day. I needed no credentials, experience, or references.

I got there a little early, and the manager, who didn’t remember my name, welcomed me and introduced me to the other volunteers. She showed me where the coffee was and suggested I look around the store. I did just that.

After I made the rounds on both levels, I saw her again, and she asked if I would like to check people out and manage the register. I said, “Sure, I can do that”.

And so, my first day as a thrift store volunteer went well, and I enjoyed it, so I went back on Saturday. I wasn’t great at pushing all the right buttons on the iPad used to record sales, but she gave me a few more directions and the same job.

This story is going nowhere, other than admitting that volunteering can be a good thing. The difference between my past experiences and this one was the manager’s kindness and the presence of others who showed up with great attitudes, rolled up their sleeves, and did whatever needed to be done.

It all gave me hope in humanity. I thought of all the people who donated quite nice things, and the shoppers who were so thankful for the treasures they rescued.

Andrew Carnegie said, “All is well that ends better”, and that is how my choice to give of my time to a good cause, a non-profit that helped fund other non-profits, was. It ended better than expected, and I felt better for it.

If you are able and willing to put unpleasant experiences behind you, consider volunteering. Our world would be a sad place without people who work hard and go to bed worn out, even when no paycheck is involved.

Pay comes in many forms, and for me, it’s the kindness of people and the joy of knowing I contributed to a good cause, all while having fun—important roots to mental health.

Until the next time: Live while you live