Cup of Inspiration

Today, November 28^th, is Giving Tuesday here in the United States. After several days of shoppers taking advantage of various deals in their quest to purchase those perfect gifts, today we remember the importance of giving back.

Life can be hectic. We rush to meet the various deadlines in both our work and personal lives. At work there are reports, meetings, follow-up meetings, verifying that project deliverables are meeting scheduled deadlines. At home we have bills to pay, household chores to maintain, shopping for tonight’s dinner, the list can go on. Do you ever have moments where you briefly wish for all the stress to go away?

One way to deal with the stress of life is to look at just how blessed we are. The job is stressful, but it is a job. Paying bills is hardly a delightful activity but consider how blessed you are to have money to pay those bills. Fighting the crowds at the grocery store to purchase food for dinner is far from pleasant, but it means you and your loved ones will be eating tonight. There are far too many people who would love to have these problems.

Today, for Giving Tuesday, look at how you can give back. Instead of buying that expensive outfit for the upcoming holiday party at work, perhaps you can find something very nice but a little less pricey, allowing you to donate the savings to a shelter to help clothe those with no coat for the winter. Instead of purchasing that expensive steak for the family dinner this weekend, consider something just a little less expensive, that will be healthy and very tasty. Then donate the savings to a food bank to help feed those who have been going to bed hungry all week.

Giving to those in need helps us remember how blessed we are. We may not be very wealthy according to the world’s standards. We may not own a mansion, with expensive cars in the driveway, heading off to an island resort for a vacation. However, if you have a roof over your head, eating at least one meal a day, and have a bed to sleep in at the end of each day, you are wealthy.

When giving to others, you don’t have to hand over a check for hundreds or thousands of dollars to make an impact. Every dollar, every penny, every little amount adds up. Give what you can, including your talent, to help others in need. Let this not be a one-day occasion. Let Giving Tuesday become Giving Wednesday, Giving Thursday, etc. Let this go beyond the holiday season and remember it year-round. You will help someone else have a meal to eat instead of going hungry one night. You will help someone get a coat to wear during the next winter storm. You will help someone have a warm, dry place to sleep instead of the cold street for a night. You will also help yourself remember how blessed you are, which can help you feel joy despite the stresses of life.