“Volunteers Serve as a Bridge Between These Worlds“
As the year moves forward, it’s worth pausing to think about how we take care of ourselves—not just physically, but in the quieter, everyday ways that sustain us. So much of real well-being comes from how we treat ourselves when no one is watching: how we manage stress, how we stay connected, and how we allow ourselves moments of purpose and joy. These are the small, steady choices that shape how we feel day to day and how resilient we remain as life continues to change.
Being good to yourself is not selfish. In fact, it is essential. Sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself is by doing something kind for someone else.
I have seen this time and again. People who lend a hand, check in on a neighbor, or offer encouragement to a coworker often walk away feeling lighter themselves. Their day feels a little brighter. Their worries don’t disappear, but they feel more manageable. That sense of connection, of being useful, seen, and appreciated, does something powerful for the heart.
For many of the seniors we serve at CHEER, staying healthy isn’t just about medications or movement. It’s about staying engaged. It’s about knowing that someone looks forward to seeing you, that your presence matters, and that you still have something meaningful to give. A friendly conversation at a center, helping another participant find their way, or simply listening to someone who needs to talk can be just as nourishing as any healthy habit.
The same is true for our staff. I regularly watch employees step in for one another without being asked, covering a task, offering reassurance on a hard day, or sharing a laugh when stress runs high. Those moments don’t show up in job descriptions, but they make all the difference. Helping a coworker doesn’t just strengthen a team; it strengthens the person doing the helping as well.
Volunteers serve as a bridge between these worlds. They give their time to support others, but what they receive in return is often just as valuable: purpose, routine, social connection, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Many volunteers tell us they feel better, physically and emotionally, when they stay active and involved. Giving back becomes a way of taking care of themselves.
This February, I encourage you to think about heart health in a broader way. Ask yourself simple questions:
“Who could use a kind word today?”
“Where can I be helpful, even in a small way?”
“How can I stay connected: to people, to purpose, to community?”
The answers don’t need to be grand. Small actions count. A phone call. A thank you. An extra moment of patience. Volunteering when you can. Offering help before it’s requested.
At CHEER, we believe caring for one another is one of the strongest foundations for healthy aging – and for a healthy organization. When we look out for others, we often discover we are also taking better care of ourselves.
This month, be gentle with your heart. Keep it active with kindness, strengthened by connection, and supported by purpose. In doing good for others, you may find you’ve done something very good for yourself as well.
CHEER Academy