Your Mind Your Body

Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.—John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Turn on the news these days and you will see the devastating effects of homelessness on families, the increased numbers of children going to school hungry, or an elderly man found frozen to death because he could not afford his heating oil. In many of these reports, there is often a human interest story that makes its way into the headlines. We may hear about the selfless acts of neighbors reaching out to one another… sharing a shelter in the middle of a winter storm; or a community coming together to help those in need.

In moments of crisis or when we truly pay attention to human suffering, it seems as though a veil is removed and our humanity and caring is unmasked. This is especially the case during the holidays. People’s sense of warmth and compassion becomes evident through the selfless giving during these times. Whether it is financial contributions to the Salvation Army or donations to the local food bank, generosity abounds during the holidays.

What is it about the holidays that compel us to give so graciously? Maybe we are simply moved by the spirit of giving. Yet, there are countless people who are in some need each and every day. Some may need food or shelter for the evening, while others may need clothing or items for daily living. For many Americans, their hardship continues throughout the year. In fact, The National Center on Family Homelessness reported that, in 2005-2006, 1 out of every 50 children in America were homeless… and the numbers are growing.

Generosity is not just about monetary giving. To be generous implies that we are willing to share or give of ourselves. Most, if not all, people are privileged in some way. Whether it is an education we have acquired or emotional empathy we have learned, there is something (tangible or otherwise) that we can share with those around us to uplift their lives. In this view, each and every one of us has a unique quality or gift that we can pass along to those in our community. To give of ourselves to our neighbors is truly an honor and a privilege and it is through that selfless behavior that we can grow as individuals… all year long.

Filed under: Children, Lifestyle & Behaviors, Relationships, Resilience, Stress, Uncategorized, Women, Work/Life