You are running down the street, bumping into people, saying “Excuse me” about a hundred times. Sweat pearls are starting to run down your back and your heart is beating fast. You’re tired after a hard day at work, and you just want to catch that train, sit down, lean your head against the seat and relax your throbbing body.
Wow, you’re lucky. You get your bum into that wagon just in time and the train starts to move. And you’re even more fortunate, you spot one seat free down the side. Hallelujah. You’re panting and sweaty, but who cares. There’s an empty seat just for you.
The train soon stops again at the next station and an elderly lady steps in. She looks around, but there’s no seat free. She slowly turns to head back to the standing area between the wagons, but you’re faster. Without even thinking, you pop up, gently tap her on the shoulder and point to the seat you just vacated.
She breaks into a smile. Gratitude lights up her face. Your eyes meet for a few seconds, and suddenly it doesn’t matter how tired or miserable you felt just moments ago. This small interaction changes something. You feel like a thousand bucks, even with sweat still running down your forehead.
So wouldn’t it be nice to feel this way more often?
You can hardly turn on the TV or open a newspaper without being bombarded by negative stories. It’s heavy. And yes, it’s sad. It can feel as if there’s nothing we can do about it. But maybe that’s not entirely true.
Most of us could use a regular boost of feel-good. And luckily, there are things we can do that help others and at the same time strengthen our own sense of happiness and self-worth.
It doesn’t always have to be loud or obvious. Some of the quietest choices can be surprisingly powerful. What we buy. What we consume. Compassionate shopping choices, such as choosing more plant-based products, are one way of making a difference.
And if you feel the urge to do something more tangible, there is another beautiful option: volunteering. All it takes is a willingness to give your time and presence. How much is entirely up to you.
Can you remember the last time you really helped someone? And how that felt?
Volunteering supports people, animals and the environment. It strengthens communities, and every small effort adds up to help the world.
But the benefits don’t stop there. For you, the volunteer, giving time and care can reduce stress, ease symptoms of depression, keep the mind active and create a sense of purpose.
Even simple acts of service can positively affect both your health and happiness. By helping those who can’t help themselves, I have often felt sad and happy at the same time. Sad because of the suffering that exists, and happy because I am doing something about it.
Research even shows that helping others activates parts of the brain associated with pleasure. We are, quite literally, wired to give. The more we give, the more connected and fulfilled we tend to feel.
There are many ways to volunteer, depending on your interests and the time you have available. For example:
There are many wonderful organisations in Switzerland. One of them is NetAP, which regularly looks for volunteers for a wide range of tasks.
This might be a good moment to pause and reflect. What could volunteering look like in your life this year?
I have been involved with animal rights and welfare organisations in Switzerland for many years. Much of my work has focused on information and education: how animals are treated, how much they suffer, and how this impacts the planet, global hunger and human well-being.
And again, it often comes back to everyday choices. Compassionate shopping included.
Have a look around. What touches you? What is your passion? How much time can you realistically give?
Remember, everything counts. Even small acts of kindness help make the world better.
I promise, you won’t regret it. It will give your life a gentle, happy push.
PS; Get inspired by this pig family helping a fish!
November is dedicated to veganism. Living vegan is not about perfection, but about the conscious choice to reduce harm as far as possible.
Do a calm, cosy October reset in under 90 minutes: declutter sentimental items, clean as you go, and display one memory you’ll actually see: mini checklist included.
