The super selfish reason I volunteer

You might say that I'm a bit of a joiner. If I'm asked to help out with something, I'll probably say yes, especially now that my children are a little less dependent on me. (I realize that putting that out there may make me a target.)

When you grow up in a small town, I think you are more likely to volunteer. Small towners don't consider it volunteering; it is simply part of your role in a small town. Everyone chips in and has fun doing it.

I volunteer because I feel socially responsible. I volunteer because I believe in the work of the organizations. I volunteer because I want to teach my children that we should help if we are able.

But there is an incredibly selfish reason I volunteer, too. I do it because it's fun. Like really fun.

I can suggest things like, "We should have a 'Let It Go' sing-along," and it happens.

And I get to hang out with people who make things like this.

And who are willing to get together to blow up over a hundred balloons. so that we can do this...

And eventually our fun becomes other people's fun. And best of all, our fun — and I suppose the work and effort, too — makes a difference in the end.