More Inspiration
We at Friends in Need Foundation are continuously inspired and encouraged by those we work with, those we help, and many other sources around us. Below are some written pieces that have made us think.
Poetry
Homeless
Not lonely, live on my own, Not homeless, Don't got a home, Not alcoholic, drink a lot. Not lost, don't know the way, Not saying nothing, cause I don't know what to say, But one day when you say go home, I'm racking ma dome, cos there aint no home.
Warrior of these mean streets fallen a lot, bumps and bruises as I go, wake up to sun, rain and snow, bottles, needles has the glow, My soul disheveled, disgusted, depressed, deleted of all humanness.
Wow look at me now, not washed in weeks, stink, wreak, leak on pants, smell like hell, can you tell? Happy to see you tho as I get my burger and juice to go, every Saturday you're the cop man stand in line with a number at hand, waiting to see you man, ask u again is their 2nds today if not understand.
Hope to see you next week same time, same corner, sun, rain or snow know you'll show will be there for my burger and juice to go.
– Raul Kahayarix Rios, Friends in Need Volunteer
Rewards of Doing Service
This post from DailyOm.com echoes the same sentiment that propels us to work in the service of helping others.
Solace In Service: Doing For Others
When we feel bad, often our first instinct is to isolate ourselves and focus on what’s upsetting us. Sometimes we really do need some downtime, but many times the best way to get out of the blues quickly is to turn our attention to other people. In being of service to others, paradoxically, we often find answers to our own questions and solutions to our own problems. We also end up feeling more connected to the people around us, as well as empowered by the experience of helping someone.
When we reach out to people we can help, we confirm that we are not alone in our own need for support and inspiration, and we also remind ourselves that we are powerful and capable in certain ways. Even as our own problems or moods get the better of us sometimes, there is always someone else who can use our particular gifts and energy to help them out. They, in turn, remind us that we are not the only people in the world with difficulties or issues. We all struggle with the problems of life, and we all feel overwhelmed from time to time, but we can almost always find solace in service.
In the most ideal situation, the person we are helping sheds light on our own dilemma, sometimes with a direct piece of advice, and sometimes without saying anything at all. Sometimes just the act of getting our minds out of the obsessive mode of trying to figure out what to do about our own life does the trick. We do ourselves and everyone else a great service when we take a break from our sorrows and extend ourselves to someone in need.