Have you started getting those solicitation letters from your Alma Mater? Or from a variety of charitable organizations asking you for money? It’s that time of year – the season of giving – in more ways than one.
Philanthropy
Why do universities, museums, research organizations, health care facilities and others stuff your mailbox this time of year? Their requests for funds come when you are already in a giving mood, reminding you that generosity extends beyond gifts for friends and loved ones. After all, we can make charitable donations and get a tax deduction. In other words, philanthropy not only feels good, but comes with a few monetary enticements.
But I’d like to mention about another sort of generosity. Of the unexpected, everyday variety. Yours.
Giving is the cure for not having
As in many families this year, our coffers are emptying at an alarming rate, the result of numerous factors including layoffs from two jobs more than a year ago. I’ve looked for work and projects for months, while continuing to parent. In addition to those activities, about six months ago, I moved my daily “journal” writing here. And with each passing day, I’ve loved it more, and learned more.
About a week ago, a reader emailed me that I had “generosity of spirit” because I’ve been telling people about his incredibly informative blog, Privilege of Parenting. I’d like others to enjoy the benefits that I am reaping from his articles. To me, that sort of generosity is nothing more than a breath between sips of coffee. If it makes the world a little better for your children and mine, why wouldn’t I do it?
He has also written that giving is the cure for not having. That is a line I will remember forever. And I have felt lighter (and slept better) since reading that. Are “givers” more susceptible to being taken? Yes. But that doesn’t mean we need to stop giving. It means we need to be discerning, and still generous. Giving feels wonderful. With or without money, it is something we can always offer, and it nourishes the spirit.
I love technology, when it works
I’ve been having tremendous difficulty migrating my content to a dot com. I’ve been very happy with WordPress, but must move to a dot com where I can get advertising, now a matter of financial survival. What will happen after that, I can’t know. 
I will continue to write daily, of course, and to participate in this caring, funny, wise, literate and expanding community that spills over with laughter, tears, shared stories and lessons. (And I for one am looking forward to the Momalom Half-Drunk Challenge coming up soon!)
Meanwhile, I’ve put requests for help out into the blogosphere. And more than a few of you – you know who you are – are responding, including, just this morning, a complete stranger to whom I wrote. “Of course I’ll help,” he said.
Generosity is more than a time of year
Generosity is everywhere, and in abundance. Right here. While we are more attuned to generosity this time of year, let’s remember that it exists every day and everywhere. People want and need to help each other.
- Is there someone who needs your help?
- Were you the recipient of kindness or generosity recently?
Give. Pay it forward. When you can. Do it because it makes everything a little better for all of us. Do it for yourself, because you’ll feel terrific. And thank you, to those who are helping me.
Giving does make life a better place to live. Fo’ Shizzle.
Yep, I’m a giver. It just doesn’t seem right not to, particularly in these times.
And I think it’s very important that my girls understand that they have a LOT more than many kids do. And that they need to give as well. Because it’s the right thing to do, this helping of others.
Sure, I’ve been “taken.” But still, you can’t harden yourself like that. It’s incredibly hard for people to ask for help…to turn a cold shoulder to that seems wrong.
I have been the recipient of much this year. Time. Love. Generosity. And you just made me all the more aware of how important it is to keep that cycle going.
Thank you for this reminder. Especially at this time of year.
Yes, I am a giver. But I never feel like I give enough. This could be more about another question – feeling like what we do is never enough – than the objective reality of how much I give and don’t give.
Truth be told, I think generosity is actually a life skill. I don’t think we all know how to be generous at the right moments. I think it takes effort. And reminders like this one.
So thank you. For being generous and talented. And you.
We are trying to be givers.. but we are honestly on the border. So whatever we have extra, we try to give, because we’ve been recipients.
Thank you for this.
I’ve needed help a few times in the last year and I’ve gotten mixed results. Some people have outright asked for my help, and I’ve been willing to assist. However, on several occasions, I’ve given help but gotten none in return. In my mind giving goes two ways. The more we get burned the less likely we are to extend ourselves in the future. Both my High School (boarding school) and my university have sent me requests for donations in the last month. I never give to them because first I don’t have the money and second they are obscenely wealthy already. They don’t need my money. My conclusion to all this is that I have a somewhat selfish and philanthropic perspective on giving. I want to help the most needy, but I also expect that when it’s my turn to be in need that those same people will be there for me.
Thank you for sharing with all of us, BigLittleWolf. We all need to be reminded that generosity is important all year round.
I have been the recipient of much in the past two years. Financial assistance. Support during unexpected medical crises. Emotional tow ropes (guess who). I try to pay it forward as much as I can. Right now, I help others by spending time in my kitchen and doling out yummy treats. It makes me feel good to cook and to share the treats with others. I wish I could do more, but for now it has to be enough. And, I hope it’s teaching my kids that homemade is a good thing. Even though they are bombarded with all things commercial in every direction their cute little heads face.