Look at How Far You’ve Come: A Journey of Growth Through Volunteering
Look at How Far You’ve Come: A Journey of Growth Through Volunteering
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Finding Gratitude in Life’s Journey
There are moments in life when we pause and reflect on how far we’ve come. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple glance out the window—watching the trees sway gently in the breeze, admiring the colorful flowers, or gazing at the wide-open sky—to realize the beauty of being alive. Recently, I had one of those moments after receiving an email from Phil Roberts, the community fundraiser at St Loye’s Foundation in Exeter. He sent me a photo from one of the community events I once volunteered at, and it instantly transported me back in time, reminding me of the journey I’ve traveled and the growth I’ve experienced along the way.
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Taking the Leap Into the Unknown
Back in 2010, I made one of the most daring decisions of my life: I quit my “safe” job and ventured into the unknown. It was both liberating and terrifying. At first, I stumbled. Without a clear direction, I found myself slowly falling into a rut. But then, an unexpected opportunity came my way.
While attending a business show, I discovered St Loye’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities build confidence and find meaningful employment. Their mission resonated deeply with me, and I decided to get involved. I arranged to meet Phil, and not long after, I began volunteering with them. At that time, my confidence was at an all-time low. However, volunteering with St Loye’s gradually rebuilt my self-esteem, one step at a time.
The Transformative Power of Volunteering
Volunteering has a unique way of shaping our lives. It not only benefits the community but also helps us grow as individuals. For me, volunteering with St Loye’s was more than just giving back—it was a lifeline. It taught me the value of resilience, compassion, and self-worth. Over time, I started to rediscover my own capabilities and strengths.
I even wrote a press release years ago about the profound impact volunteering had on my life. Re-reading it today fills me with a sense of pride and motivation. It’s a reminder that sometimes we need to take our own advice and believe in the progress we’ve made.
If you’re interested in my story, you can read the original article I wrote here: Volunteering Helped Me Find the Right Path.
The People Who Make a Difference
No journey is ever truly walked alone. The support and encouragement we receive from others can be life-changing. I owe so much gratitude to the team at St Loye’s Foundation for helping me regain my confidence and find my direction in life. A special thank you goes to Phil Roberts, whose kindness, guidance, and dedication to the community left a lasting mark on my life. Phil will soon be moving on to a new chapter in Wales, and I know his positive impact will continue wherever he goes.

Reflecting on Your Own Journey
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come. We often focus on what’s next or what we haven’t achieved yet, but taking a moment to reflect on our progress can be incredibly powerful. Who has supported you along your journey? What challenges have you overcome to get to where you are today?
Just as I looked back on my own growth through volunteering, I encourage you to take a few minutes today to reflect on your achievements. Appreciate the people who have lifted you up and the experiences that have shaped you. It’s these moments of gratitude that inspire us to keep moving forward.
Lessons Learned From Volunteering
Volunteering taught me many life lessons, some of which continue to guide me every day:
- Confidence is Built Through Action – When I started, my confidence was almost nonexistent. But stepping out of my comfort zone and helping others gave me a sense of purpose and pride.
- Community is Everything – Surrounding yourself with people who care, who believe in you, and who support your goals can make all the difference.
- Giving Back Gives You More in Return – Helping others doesn’t just impact their lives; it transforms your own by teaching empathy, patience, and gratitude.
Your Next Step
If you’ve ever considered volunteering, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—it may never come. Volunteering can open doors, provide new perspectives, and lead you to discover strengths you never knew you had. My journey with St Loye’s Foundation is proof that even when life feels uncertain, acts of service can guide us toward growth and fulfillment.
Final Thoughts
As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of how important it is to pause and celebrate our progress. Life isn’t always about rushing to the next goal; sometimes, it’s about appreciating the path we’ve already traveled.
So, take a moment today to look back. See how far you’ve come, acknowledge the people who’ve been part of your journey, and remember that every small step forward matters.
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Originally posted 2014-06-23 13:15:14.