Giving is Pure Kindness

Day 19: Giving is Pure Kindness

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

Today is #GivingTuesday, a day to donate and give our time to our favorite charity or organization. It is also a day to reflect and think about how, in what capacity, and to whom we give on a regular basis. Do we give in order to receive?  Do we give with an open heart? Do we give our money, our time or both? Do we want to give more than we do and if we do, will we create more kindness?

1. Kindness to Self:

   Giving to others is important, but just as important, is giving to ourselves. It is not about what we give ourselves, but rather how and if we are giving what we truly need. It will be different for everyone. Think about the things that feed your soul and make you the happiest, those are the things you should be giving yourself everyday.

2. Kindness to Others:

   Giving to our loved ones, friends and community is ingrained in most of us and probably happens on a regular basis and is easy or even routine.  I would like to believe that we all give with an open heart, but life has taught me that sometimes we fall into the trap of giving with expectations. Expectations create resentment which in turn creates the opposite of love and kindness. Today, stop for a moment, and reflect on whether the “giving” you do feels right and if it does not, you can change the way you give.

3. Kindness to Strangers:

   Giving to strangers might be something that you do on a regular basis through monetary donations or volunteering your time, but it can also be something you do everyday through small acts of kindness. A smile, holding a door open, an unexpected compliment or simply making eye contact with the other person. Give your money, your time and most importantly your kindness everyday. It’s free and priceless!

4. Kindness to Our Planet:

   We have the opportunity everyday to make a difference and give back to our planet through making better choices. One of my favorite and progressive charities is Food & Water Watch. Check it out.

Jennifer Palazzo

Photo Courtesy of FreeImages.com/LeonaLim