One of the many powerful concepts we can harness in our lives is remembering that it’s not just about us. Living a charitable life is about thinking of others and giving back to family, friends, and our communities. Sometimes, putting the needs of others before your own has the added benefit of reminding you not to hoard your blessings.
“When you’re in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back.”
Paul Stanley
Giving to those less fortunate also reminds you to be grateful, foster humility, and soften your heart towards others. When you’re donating money, practicing Holiday giving, or buying someone a meal, you’re making them feel included.
During the holiday season, people may be considering being more charitable. Here are 6 reasons you should help others:
1. They Need Help
Be empathetic towards others. Many people do not know what empathy really means. According to psychologists, “developing empathy is crucial for establishing relationships and behaving compassionately. It involves experiencing another person’s point of view, rather than just one’s own, and enables prosocial or helping behaviors that come from within, rather than being forced1. You never know what it’s like to be in their situation. Sometimes your help is all that they need to get through their day. Embrace the spirit of giving because many would appreciate your gesture.
2. You’re In a Position to Help
Being in a position to help those who are struggling may help enable them to lift themselves up and get back on track. Some people might have different or fewer opportunities than you. Maybe they lack a support system. Be their support system because you’re blessed to be in a better situation and have the resources to assist them in their time of need.
3. You Would Feel Good Too
The joy that comes with giving is unmatched. It’s like warm energy gushing through your body, and it’s a feeling difficult to put into words. Help the less fortunate for that fulfilling and rare satisfaction that comes with it. Some of the benefits cited for giving are, “Giving makes us feel happy, is good for our health, helps social connection, evokes gratitude, and giving is contagious.”2
4. You Can Make a Difference
Embrace the spirit of giving because it’s your chance to make a difference in the world. No matter the amount of effort, you can inspire change. We can all reduce the struggles of others in little ways that have an impact.
5. It’s A Moral Obligation
As humans of this community, it is our responsibility to help our societies and the most vulnerable. Even if your moral compass isn’t strong, it’s only sensible to help others because you can.
Also, teaching younger family members the importance of giving helps them form a sense of connection, obligation, and interdependence. Instill helpfulness, and they’ll be a role model to siblings and peers. They’re respected for their efforts, raised on good values, and build a strong character for themselves, which takes them places in life.
6. The Good Comes Back In Unimaginable Ways
When you help someone, it comes back to you tenfold. You begin to feel more fulfilled, complete, and alive. But don’t help others for personal gain. Be humble, be kind, and open up your heart to others.
Promote Philanthropy In Your Community
This holiday season, be an angel for someone. Make Christmas-Hanukkah giving a tradition, even for your little ones. You can even ask your family, friends, and co-workers if they want to join you in collecting items or donating needed items. Clothes, food, money, books, toys, candles, decorations, whatever you can, practice giving and lighten up the festivities for someone who really needs it. Or something as simple as asking a lonely friend to join you for lunch (your treat) can have a huge impact that you may not even realize.
Hanukkah and Christmas may differ, but gift-giving makes for common ground. So, illuminate someone’s life this Holiday giving season, and who knows, you might give them hope to get back to life.
1https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/empathy
2“5 Benefits of giving”, Kent-Teach.com