Last year I found myself in Kurunegala seated in a circle with volunteers from across Sri Lanka, talking about making a change and how important it is for us to look within and start with ourselves first. We were each asked to think about that idea and then share an experience in our lives where we truly felt like we had achieved something of significance. A volunteer friend of mine summed up his story by saying: “to those whom much is given, much is expected.”
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The experience inspired me to acquire a different perspective to life. You see, I used to be very shy and kept to myself. I didn’t really try out something new or challenging if I felt uncomfortable and even if I did, I felt insecure about it. So on a personal level, volunteering helped me to overcome that and really push myself. It also helped me to find something that was fulfilling and allows me to fuel all of my energy into. I am so grateful for the life experiences and truly inspiring people that I call friends, of which I would have missed out on if I had not made a change.
STITCH was partnering with Rotaract and a few other organizations to conduct a medical camp in Uswetakeiyawa. My role was to assist the Eye Specialist in handing out free spectacles to people who needed it the most. An old lady walked up to me with tears in her eyes and said may god bless you as I handed her the visual aid.
On the drive back to Colombo, I kept thinking about how miniscule what I did was but in comparison how much it meant to her. To say that this touched me would be an understatement, but it also made me think of ways that I can do more for my community. And this is the reason why I always tell my friends how important it is to not get too caught up in just the immediate needs of your life.
Remember that what affects even the smallest and insignificant part of our community, affects the larger sum of it. Poverty and need have no place in a world where there is so much excess and wealth. The people who are fortunate to read this column are blessed because it means that they have the necessary literacy in English. Realize that Rs 750 is enough to fund 2 pairs of socks and a pair of shoes for a child that walks to school barefoot in Naseevanthivu.
The true beauty of a person lies in his or her ability be kind, compassionate, brave, generous and strong - even in the most difficult of circumstances when it is easier to think twice and look away.
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