The Power of Giving

Household budgets are strained, and giving is more complicated than ever. Everyone is?working with reduced resources, and most of us feel we don't have enough?to enjoy our own lives. So the idea of giving may seem unreasonable. But maybe now,?more than ever is the best time to share. There is a power in giving.

Most of us have already been blessed with so much. Our parents, teachers, relatives,?friends, and others have given us a lot. But many others are not so fortunate.

Consider this:

• 25% of the world's population is starving.
• 15% of the world's population cannot read or write.?
• As a result, 25 children die every minute from a preventable disease.?
• 1.5 billion people don't have access to clean water.
• Globally, 60% of all people hold an account, and only about 38% are financially literate.?

Looking far from home is not necessary to find the actual need. The United States has?many homeless people. There are many people not receiving proper nutrition and?health care. Some children aren't getting the attention they need to flourish.

In giving, you'll discover many personal benefits:

One of the more profound benefits to the giver is the reduction in fear. With everything?going on in the world, many people fear economic collapse, natural?disasters, crime, paying their bills, caring for their children and their parents, and?numerous other things. A function of actual events and the overly?sensationalistic coverage by the media.

What's insidious is the effect it has on many people. People become more isolated?and less connected with society and their community. Many don't even know their?neighbors. You open yourself up to others and your community by giving your time.

Giving Helps You Reach Your Full Potential

Mahatma Gandhi said, "To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others."?

Reaching your full potential is much more likely when you give. No one can fully realize?what they're capable of without being passionate about their day-to-day activities.

A person who can't move beyond the more superficial aspects of life can never do?anything spectacular because he will never be exposed to anything that will?generate that prerequisite passion.

It's in Your Nature to Give

It's in your nature to give, even if you've forgotten. Witness most children: sure, some?are all "mine, mine, and mine," but most kids are giving and sharing?readily. They want to take their friends everywhere with them. They want to feed the?baby ducks. They want to take care of their dolls.

However, somewhere along the way, have you developed the belief that you must keep?what you've gotten for yourself? If so, you're punishing yourself. You're giving in to a?scarcity mindset which, in itself, will limit your success.

So make a plan to give what you have. You may have time, money, or both to share?with those less fortunate, but offer something and witness its impact on your?life. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the power of giving and the benefits it brings?into your life.