Holidays can make for some of the most memorable times of our lives. I have been extremely lucky to have had many positive memories associated with the holidays. My family has always made it a point to emphasize that the true meaning of the holidays is love and focusing on others. Personally I have always appreciated all the examples that I have had in my life that have helped show me just how important it is to pay it forward.
Sadly the holidays can bring stress and feelings of inadequacies to many people and families. Not everyone has the financial means to make the holidays special for their families. Granted it isn’t about material possessions that make the holidays special, however it can be disheartening for a parent not to be able to provide their kids with something special to open on Christmas morning.
Hunger is a problem for many right here in the United States, most people cannot comprehend the simple fact that this is a problem within our borders. In the US it is reported that 1 in 6 people suffer from hunger. In my home state of North Carolina 1 in 5 people suffer from hunger, these numbers come from http://www.feedingamerica.org. It can be hard for me to relate to how someone who struggles to put food on the table, I have never been faced with that challenge. However I believe I can be a tiny part of the solution.
My goal for this holiday season is to organize and promote a food drive at my place of employment, my strategy will be to challenge each co-worker to donate to the drive. I hope that the spirit of the seasons can help inspire us all to look for ways to make the holidays brighter for someone else. If you think that you are going through a difficult time, I would suggest that you give some of your time to helping others. You may just find yourself as you do.
A simple phrase has been repeated to me throughout my years, “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” What exactly does this mean? As we strive to use our own life to help others we actually learn more about who we are. If we are only concerned with ourselves then we will eventually lose our way. I think I have been guilty of this to a certain degree.
So many things in this world can entice us to chase after things that have very little substance behind them. For example chasing riches or material possessions can be fulfilling for a brief moment, however, the happiness that results from these accomplishments pales in comparison to the sustained effects of knowing you have had a positive impact in someone else’s life. I need to challenge myself to do more for others and my community.
I truly believe that we all have a desire to do good, however, we usually balk at the idea because all to often we think that we cannot make a difference. It has been my experience that even little random acts of kindness can go a long ways. A simple smile, holding the door, helping someone with groceries, or picking up a piece of trash. As we all look for these little ways to positively affect our environment our communities will become a better place.
Make it a point of emphasis each day to brighten someone else’s outlooks. Be positive and uplifting, you never know what someone else is going through at a given moment. You may be the one person who can help them in that situation. You could make all the difference, however, it is up to you. We all have opportunities each day. How many people are we letting pass by the wayside? How many people are we allowing to struggle because we do not open our mouths or stop to help?
The video in the link below is an excellent illustration of how one random act of kindness can spread! It may take a little more effort on your part, however, the results will speak for themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5ya8J-jyK4
How will you make the world a better place?
Nunc Coepi 