Over the past few years, each summer, I have volunteered to work with a local summer music camp. The children that attend the camp are in middle school and high school. My son attends the camp and has since he started middle school; at the time of writing this, he is in high school. I have watched the kids grow up, and every year I love hearing and learning about everything they have done throughout the school year. Watching kids who have never played music together spend hours each day practicing and, by the end of the week, create amazing beautiful music together is an incredible experience. The work that I do for the camp is exhausting and long hours, but I genuinely enjoy helping every year.
The Gift You Give Yourself
When we talk about giving and helping others, we don’t often realize that your gift is also a gift to yourself. Think about how you feel, how it helps your soul, and how it rewards you when you give to others. Many people are hesitant because they think they have nothing to give, asking themselves how can I give? How can I help? They often only think about money and how they can support financially. A major way one can give is by giving your time. In today’s society, giving time is very important, especially in support of today’s youth. Our kids are facing many challenges and have experienced or witnessed many discouraging things or events. For various reasons, they don’t get encouragement or support at home or even in the school system.
What and How Should You Give Back
There are many ways you can give back and help others. Of course, you can provide financial support, but you can also give back in other ways. Have lunch with someone who may be going through a difficult time. Send someone a word of encouragement with a handwritten note. Invite a few children to spend a day at your company or office. Give single parents time to themselves by offering to take their children out for the day. Bring someone a cup of tea or coffee and sit and enjoy it with them. Help your friend choose the best drum machine pedal for their band. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Small things such as a small token or gift, can shift one’s attitude. Think about how many other people can back impacted by the simple mind-shift of one person or the belief that can be restored in one’s soul.
The Toll Booth Gift
One day I was approaching a toll booth and noticed people cutting each other off, driving somewhat sporadically. A car behind was cut off, and they wound up behind me at the toll. In my rearview mirror, I could see such an unpleasant, stressed look on their face. I asked the attendant if I could pay their toll, and they smiled and said sure. As I was driving off, I looked back in the rearview mirror and saw their face change. Their face changed from a look of frustration to confusion to a smile. By one simple gesture, a shift occurred that had the potential to impact many others indirectly.
Sometimes we forget how blessed we are and how we have the opportunity to bless others with our unique gifts and talents. Giving and helping others is not just a gift to those you are helping but a gift to you as well. This week I encourage you to think about how to help someone in need. It could be a donation of time or money to your favorite charity, a phone call, or a special note to brighten someone’s day. Remember, it doesn’t have to be something big; a kind gesture from the heart will do. Helping others is not just helping those in need. It is a cure for your soul.
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership, and Life Coach. She is the President and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc, where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income, career, business, or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Find out more at https://infinitycoaching.net
