You turn on the radio, and hear stories of people in Africa suffering, and the announcer asking for our help. You go to the store and find a tree with many names on it, of families who are in need. You get your mail from the box, to find several requests for donations to every charity imaginable, and of course there are the local can food drives, and Santa's in front of stores here and there, ringing their bell.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
Well, only you can answer that. For many years, I gave to specific organizations. One year, as more of an experiment than anything else, I gave to every person, charity, you name it, anyone, anywhere looking to fill a need. Wow, that was interesting. I have come to the conclusion now, that one must give truly from the heart, not necessarily from the pocketbook, or kitchen cabinets. You see, people need people. People also need people all year round, not just a few months out of the year.
THE MANY WAYS TO GIVE
Let's think about it. We can send a donation. We can bag up some groceries. We can help in a soup kitchen. We can rake someone's leaves, shovel their walk, put wood on the fire. We can walk a mile with them, or simply sit in silence. We can sip tea together, or take them on their errands. We can watch their children for some much needed rest. We can surprise them with something fun on their doorstep. We can step in when no one else wants to. We can see into their hearts where no one else cares to. We can lend a hand when one is left sick, diseased or otherwise non-functional at full capacity. We can leave a note, write a letter, sing a song, or take them to a movie. We can be a friend, lend an ear, hold a hand, and lift one another's spirits. Yes, there is plenty that can be done in such small and simply ways which can touch someone's life for any length of time.
No one needs a smile more than the one who has none. Holidays can be a wonderful, family gathering time for many, or a painful, lonely, time for others. We can only do what we are truly motivated to do from within, as nothing will make a difference as much as something that comes from the heart.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?
What are your talents? What are your hobbies? Share. Live. Learn. Grow.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT IN RETURN?
That is for each one of us to discover. Many times we give, sometimes reluctantly, only to discover later on, how much more we gained from the experience than anyone else.
My best advice: EXPECT NOTHING!
I look at my life over the years and it's all been give and take, no doubt about it.
WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH FITNESS?
As you know there are also fundraisers like 10k's and the like. Find something you can relate to, make a go of it, it's amazing how much more effort goes into a workout when it involves, say, raising money for a kidney transplant patient, etc. Gather some like-minded friends and make a date of of it, take some photos, get some drinks afterwards, and enjoy the season!
No comments:
Post a Comment