Sometimes, we set out to help someone else—but end up helping ourselves in the process.
We don’t always realize it when we start. Maybe we volunteer to teach, support a friend through a hard time, or donate our time to a cause. But along the way, something shifts. We learn. We grow. We heal. That’s the beauty of compassionate action—it doesn’t just go one way.
Take Maya, for example. After losing her job and feeling directionless, she began volunteering at a literacy center for kids. She thought she was doing it just to fill time, but something changed. As she helped a young girl learn to read her first book, Maya remembered what it felt like to have purpose. The joy in that moment lit a spark in her she hadn’t felt in years. She ended up going back to school to become a teacher.
Then there’s Jay, who started a podcast to help people share their stories. At first, it was just a passion project—but the more guests he interviewed, the more he began reflecting on his own past. He found himself opening up about things he’d kept buried for years. By holding space for others, he created space for himself too. Now, he says the podcast saved his life.
Helping others doesn’t have to be grand. Small acts—listening, mentoring, supporting someone through grief—can have a big impact. And the surprise? The impact often circles back to us. We gain perspective. We find strength. We feel connected.
When we shift focus from ourselves to someone else, it creates a ripple effect. Not just in the world—but in our hearts.
In Conclusion: A Story That Captures It All
This idea shines through in The Girl in the Shoebox by Molly Dee Wells. What starts as one woman’s journey to help another—through a podcast and a leap of faith—ends up connecting strangers, healing old wounds, and forming a found family. It’s a beautiful reminder that in trying to help others find their place, we often end up finding our own.
So next time you feel stuck, lost, or unsure—try helping someone else. You might just help yourself along the way. And you can grab a copy of this epic read on Amazon.
