health
The One Change That Worked: I Felt Like an Outsider in My Village
I was isolated and nervous when I decided to roll up my sleeves and start volunteering. But I shouldn’t have been intimidated. It’s brought so much happiness and community into my life.
TL;DR
- The author felt isolated in her village despite having friends and family nearby.
- She began volunteering with her children's Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) by helping at the summer fete.
- The PTA experience was overwhelmingly positive, changing her opinion of volunteering and allowing her to connect with other parents.
- She also started volunteering as a marshal at her local parkrun on Saturday mornings.
- Volunteering helped her meet new people, boost her mood, and develop a deeper sense of community connection.
- The author realized that actively participating and helping create community was the best way to feel rooted.