Well it's that time again....you've made it through Monday, it's half way to Wednesday, and the week has really only just begun. However, that's okay because a full work week gives you one more week to exercise your new found New Year's resolutions and make them a priority each and every day. Last week, we discussed making 'love' and putting your family first, a priority for the new year. If you forgot to make love a priority yesterday, never fear! You have an entire week still to accomplish that resolution.
Today, I would like to offer you a second resolution to add to your list of priorities in the year 2013. That resolution is simply: 'giving back.' Now, what do I mean by 'giving back'? Some of you may be concerned that I am asking for you to give financially and you may feel uncomfortable with that notion. You may feel as if you have little to give. However, while giving financially, whether it is to your church or an organization or non-profit with whom you identify with their goals and mission, there are many other ways to 'give back' to your community, your church, your neighborhood, and yes, even your family. Giving back is a multi-dimensional concept that allows you to utilize your gifts, your talents, and your time to help and respond to the needs of others.
An important life lesson to remember is, that no matter how tough your life may seem, or how awful the struggles are that you are going through, there is always someone out there who may be facing greater challenges than you are. Even if you think your struggles are similar to others, there is no greater way to take the focus of your own troubles, than by helping others. Therefore, pull yourself up and find a way to have joy in your surroundings and a way to help others in need.
So, first let's talk about financial 'giving back,' since that may seem like the most obvious and perhaps the most uncomfortable way to 'give back' for many. Often, giving back in a financial way can simply mean tithing at church, donating to a local organization or non-profit, buying lemonade or a consumable item from a stand or restaurant with an intended purpose, or helping a neighbor or friend who may be in financial trouble. These are all ways to give to others through financial means.
However, you can also 'give back' through your time. Time is a valuable entity, both to yourself and to others. Often, a giving of your time for another person can mean the world to them. 'Giving back' through time can be as simple as helping out a neighbor by mowing their lawn or shoveling snow from their sidewalk, volunteering at your child's school or another organization, helping out the elderly with their groceries, or even taking the time to read to your child each day. Time, while still a difficult commodity to give away, is often an easier item to volunteer than your money.
Now, let's talk about 'giving back' with your talents. Your talent can be anything you are good at. Perhaps reading to a class at a local school, knitting or sewing hats and gloves for soldiers, or baby blankets for the local YWCA shelter. Perhaps you are a fabulous cook, so you can make a meal for a local homeless family, or a member of your church who is ill or having a rough week. Maybe you are a real handy-man, so your talent is best utilized at a local business, non-profit, or shelter that is in need of repair and 'fix-it' type jobs. These are all talents, along with many more, that can help you to 'give back' in 2013. Often the giving of your time and your talent, go hand-in-hand, but doing something that you are good at and enjoy, can make it feel as if you are not giving of your time at all.
Lastly, let's discuss 'giving back' to your family. While it is extremely important to help others, give back to your community, support your church, and respond to needs outside the home, it is also utterly important that you are meeting needs within your own home, among your own family members, and 'giving back' to those you love. As a mom or a dad, this concept of 'giving back' to your family, may seem like an everyday task. This is true, but it is important to go the "extra mile," so to speak, for your children and/or significant other. Find extra things to do that spend time with your children, outside your normal routine. Take the trash out for your spouse if that is normally their job, clean up the kitchen before they get home from work, plan surprise outings and functions as a family. These are all ways that can make your family life stronger, allow for quality time to be spent with one another, and encourage a 'giving back' attitude among all family members.
'Giving back' is a concept that we all groan about. It means sacrificing something of ours for the good of others and this can be an inconvenient and sometimes scary thing to do. However, you may find that once you have accomplished an act of 'giving back' you will feel delighted. You will feel that you have added value to a person or a place, and that in turn will add value and joy to your own life. Make 'giving back' a resolution that sticks in 2013. Set an example for your kids by beginning your 'giving back' now and encourage them to join in.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter, @fambuildersok for some tips and opportunities on giving back this week! Enjoy the week and enjoy your kids!
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