Are you finding yourself feeling as if you are not giving back in certain areas of your life? Are the thoughts occasionally crossing your mind that you are being too selfish?
Most, if not all, of us pass by the Salvation Army Red Kettles during the holiday season and think to ourselves; “I have some change to give, but not today. I am rushed for time.”.
Perhaps we are browsing through Facebook and come across a friend from High School who has entered upon a difficult stage in life and is asking for some financial help. We just scroll on by, yet there is this little voice in our soul that says, “you can give a little”.
The days have passed us by when the only way many people could raise money was by setting a mason jar up at the local grocery store with a note attached explaining the situation.
Per Diana, Princess of Wales; “Everyone needs to be valued. Everyone has the potential to give something back.”. With a mindset of valuing all life, raising money online has become a popular platform for those in need to ask for help, and for those with a giving heart to give back.
There are many ways to give back instead of the giving of money. It is completely understandable that some people are not situated financially to give some money from time to time. The good news is, a giving heart has many possibilities.
How is it then that I can make a difference in my community? In the world?
According to Jim Ziolkowski, author of “Walk in Their Shoes, Can One Person Change the World”, the answer is a resounding yes. This is based upon his own personal experience as he gave up a lucrative career in the finance sector to dedicate himself to a life of service to others.
Many helpful suggestions are available for those who seek to be more giving, and a good start can be had by researching others experiences who have given of themselves and reaped the fruits of their labor in happiness.
The benefits of a life lived centered on giving and not on our own selfish wants leads to a life of better health. There are many studies that indicate that those who frequently give of themselves with altruistic motives have health benefits that exceed their mental health.
It leads to simple common sense. If I am no longer focused solely on myself; in simple terms holding on to what I have and acquiring everything I want, then my mental state will improve. With less stress and anxiety, my physical health is sure to improve.
It has stood the course of time throughout human existence, in that a life well lived is one in which the individual attempts to help others. For after all, what is a characteristic trait that most of us despise in others? Greed. No Gordon Gekko, greed is not good. In fact, many believe it is the root of all evil.
Giving feels good, bottom line. When done on an altruistic plane, it feels even better. More importantly, it can change the world for the better.