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How Volunteering Changed My Life in Just Two Months

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How Two Months at the Ranch Changed Me In Ways I Did Not Imagine

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Before coming to the ranch, I thought I had things pretty figured out. I believed I was self-aware and expected this to be just another volunteering experience, like the ones I’d done before. My goal was simple: show up, volunteer, and move on. But what actually happened was something completely different. I changed in ways I did not imagine – I found a new way of thinking and living that changed me in ways I never saw coming.

From day one, it was clear this place wasn’t like anywhere else I’d been. The vibe here was more serious, more organic and more real. Every interaction felt meaningful, like it had a purpose or lesson that stuck with me long after the conversation ended. The attention to detail here wasn’t about nitpicking or wasting time on small stuff; it was about focusing on what truly matters. And then there were the Six Principles—something you hear a lot about here. Once I started understanding them, it changed me. They weren’t just rules for work; they were tools for life. And at the ranch, life and work are so connected that you can’t separate them.

Just two months at the ranch working for the Chilcotin Ark Institute changed me. For starters, instead of just thinking about what’s good for my mental health, I actually do it. Now, I make it a priority to get outside every day—and not just for a quick walk but for most of my day. And it happens naturaly. Instead of dreaming about working on conservation projects, I’m doing it—every morning, I work on future land stewardship plans. And when it comes to learning new skills? I’ve stopped overthinking and started trying. Within weeks, I learned how to maintain and drive a tractor! Who would’ve thought?

I’ve also changed how I approach work. It’s not just about getting things done anymore; it’s about doing them better. Now I plan ahead, prioritize tasks, and avoid repeating mistakes that don’t work. Even my eating habits have shifted—no more relying on processed food and complaining about its quality. Instead, I get my food and water straight from natural sources.

But let me be honest: none of this was easy. Changing my mindset took effort. The trick? Stop feeding negative thoughts. No complaining—to myself or anyone else. Instead, I changed my approach. I filled my time with meaningful work that benefits not just me but the people around me too. Taking initiative became my mantra: be responsible, carry more than your share, and trust yourself to figure things out.

The truth is, anyone can change if they really want to. I know because I changed. It starts with having a positive attitude and taking action instead of waiting around for things to happen. Writing this feels surreal because these ideas used to feel so far away from me—but now they’re part of who I am.

I hope these lessons stick with me for life because now I know what’s at stake if they don’t. Without this mindset shift, I’d probably slip back into being someone who craves comfort but feels stuck—glued to screens, eating junk food, living an unhealthy lifestyle in a world full of concrete and toxic vibes.

The ranch taught me that being comfortable isn’t the goal—it’s stepping out of that comfort zone where real growth happens. And because of that, I’ve found a way to live with purpose.

João, 26, Portugal