Two Way Exchange

The sun rises every day. This is not debatable. Each and every day as the sun rises, it enriches the earth in numerous ways. A corresponding paradigm occurs when individuals perform service. People who are continually in the service of others recognize that they are improving the lives of others; however, they also often recognize that the service they perform is not only benefitting those they serve. Unlike the one-way benefit exchange between the sun and earth, service is a two-way exchange. A regular volunteer in West Virginia, Charlie Houck, recognized a portion of this phenomenon. He shared, “My brain got involved first, because it was the right thing to do, then my heart took over...I really feel like in this small community...I can actually make a difference, I can help improve things”(Harris). What Houck was not able to see was how wide of an influence he can have when it comes to helping improve things. People engaged in service not only improve the lives of those around them, they also improve their own life. Individual health, both emotional and physical, improves after actively engaging in service.
Every individual’s health is directly proportionate to the amount of time …show more content…
“Physically, volunteering helps keep them active, but even more importantly, volunteering takes their mind off of their own problems and helping other people just makes them feel better.” (“Doing Good is Good for You: 2013 Health and Volunteering Study”). There are a multitude of ways to serve, but when a person chooses to do so, they are ensuring that they will be an active member of their community. People centered on a life full of service are the people who are often out of the house and aware of their surroundings so that when opportunities for service arise, they are prepared and ready to help. An active life focused on service ensures a healthier, longer, and happier