statuesquechica
New member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2009
- Messages
- 428
- MBTI Type
- INFj
- Enneagram
- 9w8
- Instinctual Variant
- sx/so
I wanted to come back to this thread because it brought back memories of my family arguing with me about some of the more "adventurous" decisions I had made, like serving as a volunteer for two years in a developing country. My brother was actually very opposed to this and was convinced I would die as a "martyr" (his words) in a blaze of gunfire.
To alleviate my own concerns, I researched the organization's program, safety history, country's stability, etc. I didn't make the decision lightly, nor was I driven by an unhealthy desire to "save the world." Actually, this particular agency screens out individuals who exhibit that quality because it results in volunteers with mental health issues resulting in medical evacuations. It was a calculated risk on my part. The funny thing is, and it's more scary than funny, but there was a military coup while I was living there--fortunately I wasn't on the streets of the capital that day.
I do not live under the false assumption that I can SAVE THE WORLD!, but rather, I see my small actions as a way to contribute and connect to the world and the people around me. It is as simple as that.
To alleviate my own concerns, I researched the organization's program, safety history, country's stability, etc. I didn't make the decision lightly, nor was I driven by an unhealthy desire to "save the world." Actually, this particular agency screens out individuals who exhibit that quality because it results in volunteers with mental health issues resulting in medical evacuations. It was a calculated risk on my part. The funny thing is, and it's more scary than funny, but there was a military coup while I was living there--fortunately I wasn't on the streets of the capital that day.
I do not live under the false assumption that I can SAVE THE WORLD!, but rather, I see my small actions as a way to contribute and connect to the world and the people around me. It is as simple as that.