Tag: satisfaction

Rushing Through Traditions

There’s a strong tendency in society, fuelled especially by advertising, to rush headlong towards whatever comes next. Novelty is prized, anticipation is monetised, and lingering is quietly discouraged. We’re nudged to believe that satisfaction lies just beyond the next purchase, the next upgrade, the next season. Christmas makes this habit particularly visible. Before the last crumbs of mince pie have been brushed away, the message has already shifted, sales banners change colour, playlists move on, and the glow of the season is treated as something faintly embarrassing to hold on to.

You see it most clearly when decorations come down well before Twelfth Night. What was meant to be a period of celebration and reflection is truncated, tidied away, and replaced with a brisk return to normality. In the hurry to move on, something gentle is lost. The slower rhythms of tradition invite us to dwell, to savour, and to let meaning settle. Resisting the rush, even briefly, becomes a quiet act of attentiveness, a reminder that not everything of value needs to be cleared away at speed.

But there’s also another way of seeing this, and it’s worth holding it alongside the longing to linger. Traditions can ground us, but they can also harden into habits that resist necessary change or growth. For some, moving quickly beyond Christmas isn’t a loss of meaning but an expression of renewal, a clearing of space for fresh starts and forward momentum that can be genuinely life-giving. Rather than framing this as a choice between tradition and progress, it may be wiser to hold a both-and approach, preserving what nourishes the soul while remaining open to change, even when that balance feels untidy and unresolved.

Volunteering at parkrun

Volunteering at parkrun offers far more than a chance to give back. It brings a host of benefits that positively impact mental, emotional, and even professional wellbeing. Many regular volunteers speak of a deep sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from contributing to the event’s success each week. Studies support this, showing that volunteering can lift mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering at parkrun is the sense of community it builds. Whether you’re marshalling, timing, scanning barcodes, or cheering people on, you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for health, connection, and community spirit. These shared moments often lead to lasting friendships and a richer appreciation for the value of local engagement.

Volunteering at parkrun is also a fantastic way to develop and strengthen key life skills. Each role provides opportunities to improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Whether you’re coordinating a finish funnel or supporting first-timers, every task contributes to both personal and professional growth.

From a career perspective, volunteering at parkrun is a valuable addition to your CV. It demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a genuine willingness to contribute to something bigger than yourself. For jobseekers, students, or anyone looking to stand out, regular volunteering shows commitment, people skills, and the ability to work under pressure, all traits employers value highly.

Most importantly, parkrun volunteering can be a journey of self-discovery. It invites you to try new roles, push beyond your comfort zone, and sometimes uncover talents you didn’t know you had. In serving others, you often gain just as much in return, whether it’s confidence, clarity, or simply the joy of making someone’s Saturday morning a little brighter.

Overall, parkrun volunteering is a win-win. It strengthens communities, supports wellbeing, and enriches personal and professional lives. Every barcode scan, every time check, every cheer matters, and so do the people who give their time to make it all happen. Why not have a go?