The past week has been a bit funk-di-fied. One of the most self-enriching things to do when you’re feeling aimless or down is to give back. Yesterday, I spent the morning volunteering for an organization called Achilles International. They operate independently but also via sign-ups through NY Cares, which lists volunteer opportunities across NYC. The organization has a number of programs. One of them takes place every Saturday morning in Central Park. You are paired with kids with disabilities and run 1-2 laps around the bridle path (up to 3.5 miles).

This is a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy running and want to volunteer to enable and empower people with disabilities to achieve their athletic goals.

The mood was encouraging. Many people seemed like regulars. At first, I felt a bit awkward, but I soon got into the spirit, as I ran with Matty around the path. He was funny. He would sprint like crazy for a spell and then stop and wander off. He was a big guy, so I would have to keep him focused and on the path. I’m not sure exactly what his disability was and how much of what I was saying he could understand. That was a bit tricky. I found that setting a point of focus and some simple goals helped.

“Matty, see that tree over there? Once we get to that, I’m going to count to 3, and we’re going to start running.”

That worked well, and I felt good about that too. It also felt good to encourage him and tell him he was doing a great job. We all need to hear that.

One woman volunteer, who looked like JLo and seemed like a natural caretaker (maybe she works with people with disabilities or with kids in some way) could tell I was somewhat unsure of myself at first, so she looked after me too. That felt good as well to have that mini-support system in place.

It was gratifying to be part of that small community. It made me realize that there are a lot of people in NYC who are extremely caring and joyous and who believe in doing good. Not just believe but actually act on it. I can’t quite explain the feeling, but it gave me an immense sense of peace and acceptance.

It was a brief respite from my current feelings of purposelessness.

Then I ate a $17 (bad) sandwich (thank you, UES), walked back to the West Village, and crashed so hard. I was asleep by 4pm, and when I got up at 5am this morning, I struggled to lift myself up. I think the act of doing good helped me quiet some of my inner demons, and for the first time in probably years, I slept more than 5 hours. I feel like shit physically and emotionally, but my soul feels good.