Life is a One Time Trip
To kick off 2025 we welcome guest blog writer- Jawad Gul. Jawad is a passionate member of the community and writer who has 
published several books. To read more writing from Jawad check him out here.
Back in 1996, when I was in high school in my home country, I was fond of writing—mostly short stories and poems published in local newspapers. At that time, the only thought in my mind was to bring about change in society through my writings and point out the injustices in my surroundings. It was my first step toward volunteerism. I took part in social literary societies and actively participated as a freelance co-editor of the literary magazine page of a local newspaper. I also published a magazine to promote the native language of Hindko and organized fundraising weekly meetings.
However, I felt that I should engage in practical efforts as well; writing was just for the literate members of society, while the majority of people were uneducated and suffering. I wondered what I could do for them. So, I volunteered at a blood bank, donated blood, and joined campaigns against polio in rural areas of Pakistan to vaccinate children. I also joined NGOs that worked for the education of females while I was there.
One thing I would like to mention is that different phases come in our lives and change our thinking processes for a while. There was a period when I stopped my volunteer work after my marriage, thinking I should focus on my life objectives and that volunteerism was just a thankless job. After some time, I realized that when I participated in volunteer activities, my own objectives were achieved automatically, and I had no worries about accomplishing my goals. However, since I stopped volunteering, I felt stuck and had to put in a lot of effort to complete my tasks. I realized that there was some spiritual support surrounding me when I was engaged in volunteer work. From that moment on, I have never stopped volunteering in my life.
Now I am in Canada, and I have connected myself, one way or another, with volunteer associations. Currently, I am with the Affinity Mentorship Foundation, which works to inspire and empower at-risk youth through mentorship, building their strength, confidence, and resilience to shape their own positive futures.
When I participate in volunteer events, it gives me a sense of fulfilment and nourishes my thoughts. I forget my own stress and can connect with others. It creates a synergistic effect; my presence gives them hope, and ultimately, I gain energy from my volunteer work.
Life is a one-time journey, and no one is perfect. In society, volunteer work is the key to success because I have discovered the spiritual aspect of volunteering.