Home Hot Topics Health Fitness San Diego
San Diegans
Unsung Hero
Interview with a Nurse
For their dedication to their work and making this a better place to live.
San Diegans and Community
What type of community do we live in?
Are you involved in the community?
Do you remember 911? On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the twin towers in New York City, San Diegans felt shock and sadness, but a true spirit of patriotism was reborn and everywhere around San Diego you could see the American flags waving in the air. Where are those flags now? During the October 2007 San Diego wild fires, evacuees found a safe home at Qualcomm Stadium. More than enough people volunteered, and the outpouring of support from the community was heartwarming.
We are now living in tough times; do we still have community spirit or are we just living in fear? Are we so involved with our own lives that we forget we are a community that needs each other? Do we just talk and not listen? Do we have balance in our life? Do we help others in time of need and ask for help for ourselves?
There is an old saying that we are only as strong as our weakest link. I believe that it is time that we get down to the basics and start supporting the people who support us. I also think we should ask for help when we need it. Pride is a sense of our own self worth and when we are riding high it is easy to help others, but when our self worth is down, then it takes a helping hand from others and our own inner self to rise up and do what needs to be done.
I remember working for a company that gave me great pride and enjoyment in my work, but unfortunately in the early nineteen-nineties a recession hit hard and the majority of the employees were let go. I was one of them. At that time, I balanced my life by searching for the next employment opportunity, playing on a community sports team and doing volunteer work. Just by doing volunteer work for a shelter, I did not lose my sense of self worth or my faith in people. I was helping others and also helping myself by feeling empowered. I also met a special person who today is still my best friend for life. We both gave of ourselves and learned that by doing this you do empower yourself and others. We built a friendship based on trust, balance and supporting each other. Without trying to fix each other or have judgments, we shared unconditional support and we took the time to build a solid friendship. I have survived the recessions of the 70’s, 80's, 90's and I will survive this one by keeping the faith in myself and humanity.
If you are feeling helpless, do not be afraid to ask for help from family members, friends or non-profit organizations like the United Way of San Diego. Many non-profit organizations have a list of referrals to help you find what you are looking for.
Volunteering will enrich your life and build a better San Diego.
Web site » United Way of San Diego
Main Number: (858) 492-2000
