Well, sharing one’s presence with others, especially those who have few if any friends or support, helps them feel connected – not so isolated. Sharing a smile and human touch is a gift we can all provide. And sharing food, goods or a meal with folks helps not only nourish the body but also the spirit.
So I don’t need to do or buy anything extra, I only need to be aware, and then be generous with my time, and what goods I already have.
I’ve set aside some winter clothing I no longer need to give away on Buy Nothing or to take to a local church that gives clothing to the unhoused folks living in my town. I put this together last winter and the woman who was supposed to pick it up for that program didn’t follow up. I’m going to try her first. I regularly give things away on Buy Nothing, and in our geographic area that includes people in need.
I recently set up a recurring donation to my local food bank through payroll deduction. I’d been meaning to but the SNAP benefits being cut really hit me.
This weekend I sent some money to my older daughter to help her with Christmas. She works so hard and doesn’t make much money, and it’s tough for her little family with growing teenagers.
I donate to many causes I care about. All of them help with some kind of need, whether that’s a need for legal assistance for immigrants and refugees or a need for clean air and green spaces for habitat. I feel very fortunate to be at the point in my life and career where I’m able to do that while taking care of my family.
I helped wrap gifts this year at work for needy families. I would have liked to do more but I was dealing with a health issue. I hope to do more next year. There was a veteran Thanksgiving event they needed volunteers for to help set up.
I have to ask myself, what is it that I have? I have a lot of compassion, understanding, and love. However, it feels hard to tap into it when I am overly stressed. I take deep breaths, reminding myself of my boundaries and not over-extending myself.
This question also makes me think about my career journey. I am trying to hone in on what is it that I want to be doing, what knowledge, skills, and talents I have that I can use to help others. Now trying to break down into which career/field I want to go into is hard, with fear telling me I am not good enough to do it. But I have to remind myself that I have the capacity to achieve great things, I’ve done it before and I can do it again. 2025 hasn’t been what I expected work wise, but I am at least going into the next year with a bit more clearer idea of what I want to do. And for that, I am grateful. 🧡🙏🏽
Jenifer we talked before. I looked for a new inspiring job for awhile I asked a friend about a job she knew a little about. She looked at me and said that’s not what you need to do, go here. With in days I got a job I would have never sought and it’s where I am meant to be. Your job will come I have faith just be open to all possibilities you might be surprised where you end up.
I will aim to share what I have in simple ways, and to be kind and gentle with myself with what I am able to share and give, or not.
My inner critic can be very loud, demanding and judgmental at this time of year. I will do my best to tame the inner critic, in order to find kind and modest ways of sharing what I already have.
I have set aside a certain amount of money each month for giving. I look for opportunities to give back through churches & or community organizations. I prefer to give food. Everyone has got to eat.
So many “charities” have administrators making big bucks & this does not sit well with me. So, I prefer to give locally, usually food or toiletries.
I believe if we all gave something, big or small, ourselves, the world would be alot happier. 😊
Today I am shopping for books for my local library. They are collecting books for kids for the holidays. A good cause in my humble opinion.
I love today’s quote. Personally, I am tired of all the constant “noise” to buy, buy, buy…..been trying for years now to only buy what I need.
🕊️♥️
I am with you,
dear PKR,
on being tired of the constant noise.
Actually,
I’m exhausted by it,
and there is always a bigger and better mousetrap
coming around
that no one ‘can live without’.
I am sick to death of it.
Thank you for bringing out a soap box for me
to stand on for a few minutes. 🙂
Consume, Consume, Consume . . . . . . . I do believe it has become the Good Ole USA’s national sport. Not trying to be cynical or negative, just realistic.
I have been able to share. But I live pretty close to the ground. I have been able to share my time, energy, a place to stay, a ride, and on the rare occasion, even some money. I am here for my friends in times of need, to lend a hand or an ear.
I would like to share more with my community. Hopefully, I will have more time in the future to share some of what I have learned and lend a hand to the people that live around me.
I can see what I currently have an abundance of and share it. Sometimes I have an abundance of time. Sometimes energy. Sometimes bandwidth to listen, a little extra money for the food bank, extra clothing. I can help others by tuning into where I have an abundance at the moment.
This morning I am drawn to Kimmerer’s quote: “Practicing contentment is a radical act in a consumption-driven society.” I sometimes think I help others the most when I have no conscious awareness that I am doing it. The “Shackles of Should” ruled my life for so long that I have no need to provide a list of things I can do to help others. I will just do my best to be present to them. When I give someone my time, I can never get it back. It is the most precious presence/present. I’m contented with that commitment.
Thank you so much for your reflection. I appreciate your sharing that you have felt burdened by a ‘shackle of shoulds’, and that you have found a way to give with less conscious awareness, and to practice being present as a precious gift.
I struggle with the shackle of shoulds at the best of times, and especially this time of year. I will do my best to practice contentment, and to consider presence a precious gift in itself.
Richard, it’s something I’m continuing to work on. Although I’m warming up to the idea and can see benefits, there’s always room for improvement. Consistency is the next step.
Thank you for your responses. Again, you have helped me understand and feel “good enough “.
When I read the reflection, my immediate response was to berate myself for not giving monetary donations to the many worthwhile causes. But I was raised and shown how to give- I watched my father LITERALLY give the shirt off his back to a man wet and cold on the highway. I’ve always judged myself for having no surplus to give but your responses caused me to see how I do give.
I gave furniture to a young single mother in November, food to the food bank in October, clothing to S.A. I fed a homeless man every day for 3 months and gave him warm clothing. I was leaving McD brkfst outside of tents in the homeless encampments until my husband expressed concerns for my safety. *all the usual ideas of giving if one doesn’t donate money*
But several people here also reminded me that our presence can also give or take from our interactions. I try to be a calming, loving presence, I bring a sense of joy and humor. I spread gratitude and positivity, I listen and hold grieving or troubled hearts . I donate time to a 12 step group. I forgive. I let go.
THANK YOU for helping me see that giving doesn’t have to mean a cash or material donation.
My goodness,
dear Heather . . .
you have questioned whether you are good enough?
Everything you have mentioned
was an amazing gift for someone.
As far as I can tell,
you go way above and beyond! ♥
Thank you for your kind reply. I think I worded that wrong. Perhaps is better said as ” feel like what I give is good enough “. Yes, my father was a mild mannered sweet man.
Heather, this sounds like what I’ve talked about before on multiple occasions. It’s the invisable forms of care that speaks volumes. Waiting for and restricting ourselves to more visable acts of kindness will lead to seeking recognition. That defeats the purpose of helping others.
I would like to volunteer to serve food on Christmas Eve if I can find a place that is doing this . I can share my time and the meditation method. I opened Oslo meditation center because Norway doesn’t have one !
I’m so grateful I get to do this ! Thank you universe ! 🌱🙌💯
Ooh, Id love to hear about your meditation center! When I retire one of my plans is to donate time at our local mission that feeds homeless people. Most of these in Canada are addicted and/mentally ill with a growing population of elderly and youth who cannot afford the housing costs here. It breaks my heart. Being involved with Feeding the less fortunate a Christmas meal would be a loving thing to do Antoinette!!
Dear Heather,
We have two centre’s in Canada. Check it out ! We all use the same method of letting go . I’m not retired. I have three boys but I just really feel for others who don’t have anyone or anything. I don’t know if I’ll find a place here, but I’m looking into it. If not exactly that day then I would love to do it sometime because holidays are a time where people have a lot of emotions coming up and it makes everything look so much bigger than it really is. If you get what I mean ?
Here is the link to the meditation centers around the world : – https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
Dear Heather,
We have two centre’s in Canada. Check it out ! We all use the same method of letting go . I’m not retired. I have three boys but I just really feel for others who don’t have anyone or anything. I don’t know if I’ll find a place here, but I’m looking into it. If not exactly that day then I would love to do it sometime because holidays are a time where people have a lot of emotions coming up and it makes everything look so much bigger than it really is. If you get what I mean ?
Here is the link to the meditation centers around the world : – https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
I have a pretty good sense of humor. I could use it more to connect with others.
Also, it’s probably time to clean out my closet to give unused clothing to others.
Today, I’ll be working at Midwest Special Services(MSS) in Brooklyn Park. I’ll be playing the piano for both the regular and virtual groups respectively from 10am-noon. I do this job every other Mondays. MSS is a place where people with disabilities come together to socialize. Having soothing piano music helps them calm their mind. I also get to help others by showcasing my god-given talents too. It’s a win-win.
Thank you so much for today’s question; it works as a reminder for me that I do have something to share with others. This semester is coming to an end. I’m currently quite burned out because of my classwork, but this question reminds me of the holiday season last year, when I volunteered for the Crisis Text Line. There were very few available volunteers. I’m grateful for the time I had to fill a bit of the loneliness gap for someone out there who I didn’t know, but who did need care and emotional support. I’ll continue to support people on Crisis Text Line this holiday season. May everyone find peace and love.
My Ngoc, I’m fortunate to be past that stage. That along with my sensitivity and interest has helped me developed many different techniques over the years when caring for others. As talked about before, I firmly believe that care is suppose to make others feel comfortable. The holiday seasons are the worst for those who are single and in unhealthy relationships, especially the 2nd one. It’s really nice of you to help those people in need with emotional support.
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Well, sharing one’s presence with others, especially those who have few if any friends or support, helps them feel connected – not so isolated. Sharing a smile and human touch is a gift we can all provide. And sharing food, goods or a meal with folks helps not only nourish the body but also the spirit.
So I don’t need to do or buy anything extra, I only need to be aware, and then be generous with my time, and what goods I already have.
I’ve set aside some winter clothing I no longer need to give away on Buy Nothing or to take to a local church that gives clothing to the unhoused folks living in my town. I put this together last winter and the woman who was supposed to pick it up for that program didn’t follow up. I’m going to try her first. I regularly give things away on Buy Nothing, and in our geographic area that includes people in need.
I recently set up a recurring donation to my local food bank through payroll deduction. I’d been meaning to but the SNAP benefits being cut really hit me.
This weekend I sent some money to my older daughter to help her with Christmas. She works so hard and doesn’t make much money, and it’s tough for her little family with growing teenagers.
I donate to many causes I care about. All of them help with some kind of need, whether that’s a need for legal assistance for immigrants and refugees or a need for clean air and green spaces for habitat. I feel very fortunate to be at the point in my life and career where I’m able to do that while taking care of my family.
I helped wrap gifts this year at work for needy families. I would have liked to do more but I was dealing with a health issue. I hope to do more next year. There was a veteran Thanksgiving event they needed volunteers for to help set up.
I have to ask myself, what is it that I have? I have a lot of compassion, understanding, and love. However, it feels hard to tap into it when I am overly stressed. I take deep breaths, reminding myself of my boundaries and not over-extending myself.
This question also makes me think about my career journey. I am trying to hone in on what is it that I want to be doing, what knowledge, skills, and talents I have that I can use to help others. Now trying to break down into which career/field I want to go into is hard, with fear telling me I am not good enough to do it. But I have to remind myself that I have the capacity to achieve great things, I’ve done it before and I can do it again. 2025 hasn’t been what I expected work wise, but I am at least going into the next year with a bit more clearer idea of what I want to do. And for that, I am grateful. 🧡🙏🏽
Jenifer we talked before. I looked for a new inspiring job for awhile I asked a friend about a job she knew a little about. She looked at me and said that’s not what you need to do, go here. With in days I got a job I would have never sought and it’s where I am meant to be. Your job will come I have faith just be open to all possibilities you might be surprised where you end up.
I am grateful with you,
dear Jenifer. ♥
I will aim to share what I have in simple ways, and to be kind and gentle with myself with what I am able to share and give, or not.
My inner critic can be very loud, demanding and judgmental at this time of year. I will do my best to tame the inner critic, in order to find kind and modest ways of sharing what I already have.
I have set aside a certain amount of money each month for giving. I look for opportunities to give back through churches & or community organizations. I prefer to give food. Everyone has got to eat.
So many “charities” have administrators making big bucks & this does not sit well with me. So, I prefer to give locally, usually food or toiletries.
I believe if we all gave something, big or small, ourselves, the world would be alot happier. 😊
Today I am shopping for books for my local library. They are collecting books for kids for the holidays. A good cause in my humble opinion.
I love today’s quote. Personally, I am tired of all the constant “noise” to buy, buy, buy…..been trying for years now to only buy what I need.
🕊️♥️
I am with you,
dear PKR,
on being tired of the constant noise.
Actually,
I’m exhausted by it,
and there is always a bigger and better mousetrap
coming around
that no one ‘can live without’.
I am sick to death of it.
Thank you for bringing out a soap box for me
to stand on for a few minutes. 🙂
Consume, Consume, Consume . . . . . . . I do believe it has become the Good Ole USA’s national sport. Not trying to be cynical or negative, just realistic.
Well said, PKR. Sharing is caring.
I have been able to share. But I live pretty close to the ground. I have been able to share my time, energy, a place to stay, a ride, and on the rare occasion, even some money. I am here for my friends in times of need, to lend a hand or an ear.
I would like to share more with my community. Hopefully, I will have more time in the future to share some of what I have learned and lend a hand to the people that live around me.
I can see what I currently have an abundance of and share it. Sometimes I have an abundance of time. Sometimes energy. Sometimes bandwidth to listen, a little extra money for the food bank, extra clothing. I can help others by tuning into where I have an abundance at the moment.
Well said,
dear Drea . . . ♥
You rock ! Thank you ! 🤩
I love your answer
This morning I am drawn to Kimmerer’s quote: “Practicing contentment is a radical act in a consumption-driven society.” I sometimes think I help others the most when I have no conscious awareness that I am doing it. The “Shackles of Should” ruled my life for so long that I have no need to provide a list of things I can do to help others. I will just do my best to be present to them. When I give someone my time, I can never get it back. It is the most precious presence/present. I’m contented with that commitment.
Carol Ann,
Thank you so much for your reflection. I appreciate your sharing that you have felt burdened by a ‘shackle of shoulds’, and that you have found a way to give with less conscious awareness, and to practice being present as a precious gift.
I struggle with the shackle of shoulds at the best of times, and especially this time of year. I will do my best to practice contentment, and to consider presence a precious gift in itself.
“The shackles of should” < love that
I can share my time with those who come to me.
Richard, it’s something I’m continuing to work on. Although I’m warming up to the idea and can see benefits, there’s always room for improvement. Consistency is the next step.
Richard, I did not read replies before I posted…but you said what I was attempting to say. Only, you said it with much fewer words! Thank you.
Thank you for your responses. Again, you have helped me understand and feel “good enough “.
When I read the reflection, my immediate response was to berate myself for not giving monetary donations to the many worthwhile causes. But I was raised and shown how to give- I watched my father LITERALLY give the shirt off his back to a man wet and cold on the highway. I’ve always judged myself for having no surplus to give but your responses caused me to see how I do give.
I gave furniture to a young single mother in November, food to the food bank in October, clothing to S.A. I fed a homeless man every day for 3 months and gave him warm clothing. I was leaving McD brkfst outside of tents in the homeless encampments until my husband expressed concerns for my safety. *all the usual ideas of giving if one doesn’t donate money*
But several people here also reminded me that our presence can also give or take from our interactions. I try to be a calming, loving presence, I bring a sense of joy and humor. I spread gratitude and positivity, I listen and hold grieving or troubled hearts . I donate time to a 12 step group. I forgive. I let go.
THANK YOU for helping me see that giving doesn’t have to mean a cash or material donation.
My goodness,
dear Heather . . .
you have questioned whether you are good enough?
Everything you have mentioned
was an amazing gift for someone.
As far as I can tell,
you go way above and beyond! ♥
ps. Your father was a wonderful role model.
Thank you for your kind reply. I think I worded that wrong. Perhaps is better said as ” feel like what I give is good enough “. Yes, my father was a mild mannered sweet man.
Heather, this sounds like what I’ve talked about before on multiple occasions. It’s the invisable forms of care that speaks volumes. Waiting for and restricting ourselves to more visable acts of kindness will lead to seeking recognition. That defeats the purpose of helping others.
I would like to volunteer to serve food on Christmas Eve if I can find a place that is doing this . I can share my time and the meditation method. I opened Oslo meditation center because Norway doesn’t have one !
I’m so grateful I get to do this ! Thank you universe ! 🌱🙌💯
Ooh, Id love to hear about your meditation center! When I retire one of my plans is to donate time at our local mission that feeds homeless people. Most of these in Canada are addicted and/mentally ill with a growing population of elderly and youth who cannot afford the housing costs here. It breaks my heart. Being involved with Feeding the less fortunate a Christmas meal would be a loving thing to do Antoinette!!
Dear Heather,
We have two centre’s in Canada. Check it out ! We all use the same method of letting go . I’m not retired. I have three boys but I just really feel for others who don’t have anyone or anything. I don’t know if I’ll find a place here, but I’m looking into it. If not exactly that day then I would love to do it sometime because holidays are a time where people have a lot of emotions coming up and it makes everything look so much bigger than it really is. If you get what I mean ?
Here is the link to the meditation centers around the world : –
https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
Dear Heather,
We have two centre’s in Canada. Check it out ! We all use the same method of letting go . I’m not retired. I have three boys but I just really feel for others who don’t have anyone or anything. I don’t know if I’ll find a place here, but I’m looking into it. If not exactly that day then I would love to do it sometime because holidays are a time where people have a lot of emotions coming up and it makes everything look so much bigger than it really is. If you get what I mean ?
Here is the link to the meditation centers around the world : –
https://onlinemeditationevents.com/locations/
I have a pretty good sense of humor. I could use it more to connect with others.
Also, it’s probably time to clean out my closet to give unused clothing to others.
Laughter heals and energizes. Nothing like a good burst of dopamine from a belly laugh.
Christina, there’s nothing better than that. Laughter is the best medicine.
Today, I’ll be working at Midwest Special Services(MSS) in Brooklyn Park. I’ll be playing the piano for both the regular and virtual groups respectively from 10am-noon. I do this job every other Mondays. MSS is a place where people with disabilities come together to socialize. Having soothing piano music helps them calm their mind. I also get to help others by showcasing my god-given talents too. It’s a win-win.
I feel soothed just imagining it.
Thank you so much for today’s question; it works as a reminder for me that I do have something to share with others. This semester is coming to an end. I’m currently quite burned out because of my classwork, but this question reminds me of the holiday season last year, when I volunteered for the Crisis Text Line. There were very few available volunteers. I’m grateful for the time I had to fill a bit of the loneliness gap for someone out there who I didn’t know, but who did need care and emotional support. I’ll continue to support people on Crisis Text Line this holiday season. May everyone find peace and love.
My Ngoc, I’m fortunate to be past that stage. That along with my sensitivity and interest has helped me developed many different techniques over the years when caring for others. As talked about before, I firmly believe that care is suppose to make others feel comfortable. The holiday seasons are the worst for those who are single and in unhealthy relationships, especially the 2nd one. It’s really nice of you to help those people in need with emotional support.