Day Nineteen: Generosity

I have been raised to be a very generous person.

I’m a big fan of giving gifts to people. This probably stems from my love of shopping, but also my love of giving. I love the look on someone’s face when they get something really special; whether I made it myself or searched high and low to find it, I love giving the perfect gift.

I know that true generosity has nothing to do with giving things. It has to do with being willing to share what you have with people who have less. This time of year is a big time of year that people remember to give back. I think it’s really something special when the food bank tells me that they have so many people wanting to help, they have to turn volunteers another direction.

Every day should be a day that we give back. I have trouble remembering that sometimes; especially during other seasons when I’m caught up in the fun of whatever it is I’m involved in at that moment. But, especially this time of year, it still means a lot when you give no matter how much you give.

Right now my shop has a big box for the Toys for Tots. Right now it’s empty, and I can’t think of anything sadder. If you get the chance while you’re out an about shopping, grab a toy and put it in that box. Somewhere, some little boy or girl is going to have a real Christmas thanks to your generosity. And, if you’re like me and get annoyed when people say “oh you don’t have to get them anything” grab a toy, donate it and give them a card that says you did it for them. That way you can still get the thrill of doing something nice and they can continue to be hipster.

I was raised to be generous with my time, talent and treasure. Hopefully this year and this coming year (supposing the Mayan apocalypse is a myth) we can all give a little more of ourselves.

Challenge to my Readers:

Be generous today. Go out and donate, work in a kitchen.  Even if you’re just liberal with your smiles on the bus or listening to a friend whine about a break up, do something generous and give of yourself. Revel in how good it feels.