In this crazy world that we’re all dealing with, where we are looking for reasons to smile again, may I suggest – GIVING.
You know, looking for and planning opportunities to give. You can give things like time, goods, talents, strength, kindness, abilities and yes, money. You can give hope, happiness, a meal, thanks, letters, notes.
As a kid we loved receiving gifts but as we grow we discover the joy of giving – seeing some’s face when they open or receive a gift we gave is tremendously satisfying and rewarding. We actually made them smile, happy. Wow. What a thrill. And we too, are smiling now.
Giving makes us happier than receiving. But it also: helps others, makes a difference, cultivates self-worth, teaches responsibility, inspires giving and is easy.
Winston Churchhill said, ” We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. “
There’s lots of research to support these statements and the feelings we get when we give. Let me just share a couple statements:
- Our brains are hard-wired to serve. Giving activates the brains prefrontal cortex. When we place the interests of others above our own, our brain lights up.
- When we help others, there is a “helpers high” or euphoric feeling that we receive that makes us stronger and more energetic.
- Helping others is a door through which one can go to forget oneself.
I’ll tell you what, I could stand to forget myself and my circumstances for a while. How ’bout you? Looking for more energy? Perhaps the helpers high will help.
I had planned on writing about serving/giving for this blog. And then I stumbled upon this movement called
It’s a global generosity movement, with special emphasis this year on helping during the Coronavirus Pandemic. It is scheduled for next Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
On this day, people are encouraged to simply help others, to give of yourself in someway. Here are some ideas:
- pay for a meal
- express thanks (words, cards or signs) to first responders
- express thanks (words, cards, or signs) to medical professionals
- express thanks to “essential workers”
- make a donation to a food pantry
- help serve at a food bank
- write letters to troops
- do chalk art on sidewalks
- paint rocks and leave them around town
- make a poster to hang outside your home
Would you consider getting involved? Would you think about what you could do that would lift up someone else and bring a smile to their face(s)?
I really can think of no better door to go through to forget about myself for a while. And I’m in. The world needs a smile and so do I. Plus, my brain could use a good lighting up too.
Let’s do this. Let’s surprise someone.
Think. Plan. Gather materials. Do. Give.
Check out more at http://www.GivingTuesday.org and share it on social media with #GivingTuesday. You can even post a pic with hashtag #UNselfie and share what you did and why.
Cheers to you.
Under Debra’s Palm 