Give a Little

It is the season of giving.  In this year where so much has been taken, it has become even more important to give.  Giving helps both the giver and the givee.  Many people think of donations to organizations like the Salvation Army or Toys for Tots- both of which do wonderful work!  Other people choose to give to more local charities such as shelters or food pantries.  The mindset of every little bit helps is 100% accurate!  But what happens in a year when finances are strapped? 

Giving is not just about donations and financial contributions.  Giving is also about actions.  Actions can come in all shapes and sizes.  They can be simple or complex.  The point is not the what, but the act.  Give a little- hold a door open, give away things that you no longer need or use or want, make something and drop it off for someone, write a note of thanks, put some spare change into the red buckets outside of the stores you are going into.  All of these are small acts, but guess what happens when you put a bunch of small acts together?  They most certainly add up to big impacts!

Another way of giving a little, is to give a little slack to yourself.  Remind yourself that you are doing the best that you can and you are good enough.  Be as gentle and patient with yourself as you would be towards someone else.  Also, while we are talking about giving a little slack- maybe give a little slack to the people out doing different jobs that are also doing the best that they can.  This includes delivery drivers, grocery store clerks and employees, and medical professionals in all areas of both physical and behavioral health.  Everyone is tired, everyone has been in this marathon since at least March, and everyone benefits from kindness.  Getting grumpy and mean does nothing to make anything better.

I encourage you to find ways in which you can give this season.  And then I challenge you to find ways that you can give a little throughout the entire year.