A spirit of giving should be something that we embrace all year round, and shouldn’t be limited to the months of November andDecember. Here are my top 5 reasons to give back all year long:
1) Because there’s always someone in need. As residents of this planet, and members of the humanrace, we have an unspoken responsibility for one another. Wealso have an innate, God-given desire to love, be loved, protectourselves, as well as others. Whatever your comfort level or situation,there’s always a way to give back, and help someone in need. You havethe option of donating all types of goods (not just money) to non-profitorganizations, or giving a little money to that single mom in yourbuilding or in your child’s school, and even giving back through yourtime. Which leads to my next item…
2) Because it is so rewarding! There’s no feeling like the feeling of knowing that you’re helping someone in need, makingtheir life better, or simply taking time out to focus on the needs ofsomeone outside of your family and inner circle. So, my suggestion?Volunteer! I have been a dedicated volunteer for Animal Care and Control of New York City for 2 years now, and it has beenone of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life! I happen tolove dogs (borderline-obsessed), so, this is a perfect scenario for me.However, if you’re thinking that you don’t have time to volunteerbecause of your already hectic schedule, or that with all of the stressof life, you don’t have much to give anyone, then I have news for you.You absolutely DO have something to give! You just have to get creativesometimes. So depending on your personal interests or free time, thereare many options out there for you. You can volunteer for a non-profitonce-a-week, or once-a-month, you can mentor a young person, or a newbusiness-owner/entrepeneur, you can do a free, quarterly seminar in alocal high school, college, or church, on a topic that you areknowledgeable about that may be helpful to others. The possibilities areendless!
3) Because making the world a better place starts with individuals each doing their part. It’s not enough for us to votefor politicians who we think will make a difference, or to sign apetition for a good cause, every so often, or even participate in arally of sorts. These are all very important of course, but it’s alsoimportant for you to recognize that you alone can make a real differencein this world. From sending a friend a kind e-mail just reminding themthat they’re doing a great job, and that you admire them, to taking outthat really quiet kid from your church, that always seems a little sad,to lunch, to the park, or to a ball game. It’s always good to recognizethe small gestures that we can do as individuals, that will help to makethe world a better place.
4) Because giving is like a river which flows gracefully into an ocean of goodness that affects the masses. Okay,that was a little bit of a poetic stretch, but the point is, you getback what you give. Call it karma, reaping what you sow, energy, “The Secret”, or whatever you like. But, I’vefound that people with a true, giving heart, that actively choose tomake giving back a way of life, find that they always manage to havetheir needs met, sometimes in surprising and miraculous ways, and findthat good always comes back to them, even in the midst of adversity.
5) Because it’s the right thing to do. It’s a little sad that giving back has become something optional for so manypeople, as opposed to a way of life. This really needs to change. Aspirit of giving combats greed, selfishness, and arrogance. So that’sanother great reason to do it! If you’re a parent, your kids arewatching. Don’t just tell them what is right, show them, through yourlife, and through your actions.
You may notice that I didn’t notate any specificorganizations to volunteer for, or donate to. No, that would be tooeasy! I would love it if you would take the time out right now, to lookwithin yourself, and see what unique and special way that you can giveback. Don’t just look at a site with tons of non-profit organizations,or a volunteer options checklist. Think about what you’re good at, whatyou enjoy doing, and the qualities that you already embody that arespecial, and then find something that fits for your personality andlifestyle. Please let me know what you find out. Once you start givingback, you’ll never stop!
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