The Power of Giving

“If you believe, you will receive!”

No truer words have ever been spoken!?

One way to start the cycle of receiving is to GIVE …

Giving to Yourself?

I often used to say to myself, “I need to take time for myself, find time to do what truly makes me happy.”?Then I would think that taking, taking time, taking time for myself all sounded selfish. ?It aroused a guilty feeling that in doing so, I would be indulging myself in a self-serving manner.

Now, I have reframed that thinking to say to myself, “I am giving myself time to pursue what makes me happy, to be more present with family and friends, and reflect upon how I can be my best self so I can give to others.” Sometimes, I simply say “I choose to give time to myself and just be.”

How are you showing up for yourself?

How are you giving to yourself for your benefit and that of others?

Giving to Others

Firstly, let’s remember why giving is important for the soul: ?it is linked to our happiness!

Not all of us wake up in morning and consciously say “How can give to someone today?” Yet you are likely giving to one or more people every day without realizing it.

Giving comes in many forms.?It ranges from leaving a generous tip for excellent service to donating to causes that improve the lives of others.?It could be serving on a committee in your neighborhood or community.?Or it could be as simple as taking time to help a family member or friend in need.

When you receive a call or email asking for assistance or advice and you say “yes” to the request, you are giving!

Giving is also about listening to the needs of others, which in turn, helps us tune into our own needs.

Case in point…

Just last night, I returned a phone call to a friend who I knew needed moral support and a kind ear.?After just a few minutes, the conversation flipped, and she ended up inspiring me.?I said to her, “Hey, I am supposed to be here for you in this time of need, but you actually made me feel better!”?Her simple reply was, “Nicole, that’s our friendship!”?I was grateful because the words of support that we gave each other were so important and heartfelt in that moment.

Giving to the Wells International Foundation

At the Wells International Foundation (WIF), we believe in the power of giving:?giving of time, energy, and resources to positively impact every life we touch.?

Thanks to donor and volunteer giving, here are just some of the things we do to support the women, children and youth, and people of African descent we serve through arts, literacy, study abroad, and other educational and cultural programs:

• Expose Black and Latinx youth to the possibility of becoming a veterinarian or working in other animal-focused careers through reading and real-time encounters with professionals who look like them
• Support women leaders so they can strengthen and expand their impact at home, in the workplace, and in the philanthropic arena
• Introduce children and youth, university students, and working adults to the value of travel and study abroad

If you’re looking for additional ways to give, then visit our Website to learn more about the work we do and what our donors have supported over the years.

Then:

1)?????SPREAD THE WORD about our activities,

2)?????VOLUNTEER to work on one of our projects, and/or

3)?????DONATE to support our operations.

Continue to dream big and think big, for then the little things will become easier to achieve.?Give one step at a time, one day at a time to WIF and to others, and know that you’re making a difference!

Nicole Matusinec has over 20 years’ experience in corporate training and entrepreneurship.?Among her current professional activities, she teaches Sustainable Business at the American Business School in Paris, France.?Nicole serves as Vice Chair and Treasurer of WIF’s board of directors.