Today's blog is written by Amanda who is a blogger as well as a former newborn care nurse.

When it comes to volunteering most people immediately jump on the ‘feel good’ mission and choose an organization or task that makes them smile. For me, volunteering my time at the local animal shelter or the children’s hospital would be my ‘feel good’. I love anything that barks, purrs or had four legs and as far as children go, they have a spirit that puts a smile on my face. Do a little dance, read a book, throw a ball- children and animals are easy to please.

Perhaps, I was selfish in choosing something that made me the happiest and not the other way around. Children hospitals and animal shelters in my city typically have long waiting lists to volunteer. That’s because everyone wants to the ‘feel good’.

Then I had a friend tell me about the organization she volunteered with and I was intrigued. She works with teens that have been diagnosed as a harm to themselves or to others. Most of the teens have been a mental illness and are having a difficult time coping, some are even suicidal. I was hesitant but after her urging I knew it was something I should at least try once.

I volunteered to make Christmas cards at the center for the teens. I walked in and was not greeted with wagging tails or smiling faces but faces of teens who looked tired and in a need of a friend. Most teens were guarded and quiet. Finally I sat down to make a Christmas card next to a girl around 16 years old. I complimented her braids and before you knew it we were chatting. She opened up to me about her problems and why she was there. Once she opened up her friend did the same. That is where I learned this 17 year old boy had tried to commit suicide not once but twice. My heart ached after talking to them; they seemed mended but I was definitely glad they were still in this program.

I think we can all agree, our teen years are the hardest. There are so many changes physically, mentally and emotionally, and it gets even more complicated with mental illness. I wanted to take each teen and tell them, ‘hey, life does get better’.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and found a cause that challenged me and rewarded me. I know the time I spend with the teens impacts their life in a positive way. I know that their stories will forever stay with me and have taught me so much as well. The teens sometimes want nothing to do with me and other times invite me to their high school graduation and share news of their college plans. Stepping out of my volunteering comfort zone has made me a better person and I know I have personally touched at least one life. I challenge you to skip the ‘feel good’ and find volunteer somewhere you haven't before; help out at a women shelters, with troubled teens, or sick elderly, I know in the end you will find a whole new ‘feel good’.