This title is a contradiction in terms. The value of service can’t be measured on any existing scale. Bryan Darst outlines how “invaluable” service is in his life and in the lives of those like him. There are no words to describe the growth a person can experience when they commit a random act of kindness without weighing the benefits, knowing there is no reward and needing no recognition. I grew up in Gallipolis OH. As a child I can remember my mother and I running away from my biological father in effort to escape emotional and physical abuse. Eventually my mom met my stepfather. I disrespected my mom and my stepdad and never felt like I belonged. Enter drugs and alcohol the solution I’d been looking for. My addiction progressed into my adulthood, and I spiraled downward. I lost everything.

Who I was is not of consequence, other than to illustrate the difference between that person and who I am now. I am a father. I am a friend. My life has purpose. I work to help those like me to find a meaningful life, both personally and in my career. I have been to the lowest depths and found I had a choice. I could give way. Or I could truly live.

Change is never beautiful while it’s happening. I went through some really rough times dealing with the wreckage of my past. Slowly but surely I emerged from that place. Things are not perfect, but I’m free. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx