The Essence of Giving

The holiday season has now taken hold throughout the country and I thought it would be important to revisit the essence of giving. For many during the holidays it’s about giving back, whether through monetary means or of one’s time to charitable organizations. This has often been seen as giving back to those less fortunate or to a humanitarian cause. However, I believe giving back can take many forms. Consider how difficult and a challenging this year has been for all, regardless of one’s position in life. How does one give back to someone who is for want of nothing material or monetary?

 Here the essence of giving is at hand. Think of when you last  wrote, with pen and paper, a letter or a card to someone, be it a relative, friend or business acquittance. My guess for many is that it’s been a while. Even the act of taking time out to call and check in on how they are doing can contribute to the well-being of another, as well as oneself. Recently, while watching an interview with a renowned immunologist, he delivered the message of “Just hang in there a little longer.” This caused me to wonder what a little longer is going to feel like. Honestly, my first instinct went something like this…“Are you kidding me! A little longer?” 

Once I fully digested and processed the message, my humane instincts led me to reach out and check in on some friends. No doubt they were feeling exactly what I felt. Oddly enough the conversations were upbeat and after a while laughter ensued and making future plans became the topic of discussion for the remainder of the call. Here I came to realize by simply taking a moment to reach out and give a little of my time to others, I can make a difference, not just in their lives but in mine as well. This holds true for business partners, employees and especially family.

This holiday season, much like many of the special occasions we didn’t get to celebrate this year, will feel different. But taking the time, or better yet, giving of our time, to connect with others will make a difference on how we …hang in there a little longer. I believe by doing this we can all experience the essence of giving.

 “You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” -John Wooden-