My new year’s resolutions are generally the same every year; stay healthy, save money and learn something new, however this year, there was one more that I had been thinking about for some time.

I’ve always considered myself as a helpful person.  Very rarely do I say no, even though maybe I should at times due to work, kids and everything else that eats up the ticks on my watch.  But as a general rule of thumb, I always try my best to help, especially if someone has requested it.

Things like the willingness to help, kindness, empathy are things that you don’t really learn in life.  There’s no school lessons on how to be compassionate or thoughtful, or sincere or warm, these are things engrained in us at a young age, usually by family members, things we’re brought up to believe are correct, the attributes that will benefit us in humanity.  I guess ultimately it’s up to the parents or guardians to encourage their kids’ natural sense of the traits, and teach them kindness and consideration, and to stress the importance of caring for others as much as getting good grades.  This is certainly something taught to me whilst I was growing up, to all my siblings, the same credits that came natural to our mother, which she passed on through her parenting and guidance.   And even though she is no longer with us, and wasn’t there for very much of my adult live, these characteristics very much live on in her memory.

Having thought long and hard about my plans for this year, I made quite a significant decision.  Doing freelance work on the side of the day job for a bit of extra pocket money has been my thing for many a 12 month, however, of late, I’ve been searching for something more.   2017 saw several deaths in our Valley, including 3 young children who lost their lives to illnesses and tragic accidents, and having two young one’s myself, it really does make you think even more about life and how short it can be, and what we can do to make it better for us, and more worthwhile.

As a result of having time off over Christmas and spending it with the family, discussing 2018 plans, I decided it was time to give up the freelance work and use that time for something that was rewarding in a different sense of the word, something that doesn’t pay the pocket, but pays the soul, volunteering.

A friend of mine, also Rhian, started her own charity a few years ago following the death of her 1yr old son, George and her Husband, Paul.  2 Wish Upon A Star was created to help bereaved parents deal with the loss of their little one, and also support hospitals all across the country, providing essential services to these grieving families.  The charity has gone from strength to strength, adding new services regularly and holding several huge fundraising events every year, including Rhian’s participation in the 2017 London Marathon with BBC’s Mind Over Marathon programme, therefore requiring herds of volunteers to help out is a must – enter me!

After meetings in the charity’s brand new headquarters, complete with beautiful images of both George, Paul, Rhian and all the full time team there spread across the newly painted walls, I’m thrilled to say I am now a fully fledged volunteer, and cannot wait to begin!

If we really wanted to, we can all change our lives to make ourselves happier.  We can change our jobs, our homes, our partners, but for the people effected by this charity, changing what’s happened isn’t an option.   These families have to live with the card that has been dealt them and Rhian and her amazing team are there to support and strengthen those parents and reassure them that they are not alone, that there is help out there for them from people who have gone through that exact same pain.

Joining the 2Wish volunteer group is something I am massively proud of, a cause I feel I can contribute to, and something that is already making a difference to my heart, and my soul.

Rhian
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