The definition of “charity” is the practice of benevolent giving, giving without payment or expectation of a direct return. In light of the efforts being made all around the world to help the people of Haiti, the word charity is everywhere. We often find ourselves helpless or listing reasons why we have nothing to give. However, the act of giving to others is actually healthy for you and it is the one thing you can do that will always benefit you and the ones you love. Best of all you don’t need to put a monetary value to your charity. Small acts of giving go a long way. Since the definition said that we should “practice” charity...and we all resolved to get healthier in 2010...let’s start! Cultivate Your Mind: You will need to set aside time for yourself on a regular basis. By taking time out of every day to focus on your own needs, you will be more prepared and able to give more to others. In order to continue learning and entertain your brain on a daily basis, you should make a list of all the things you would like learn more about. Sit down and list it all at once or gradually add to the lis throughout the year. Either way, you can continue checking off items on the list as you complete them and it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Ideas: Read one book a month. Schedule time for conversations with your spouse or friend on a current topics. Help your kids with their homework...even that subject you despise. Or better yet ask them about what they learned that day. You’ll connect and possibly learn something new.
Stretch Your Body: One of the best ways to spend the time you have set aside for yourself is to improve your physical health through exercise. You don’t need to do strenuous exercise every day, but you should stretch and get your heart rate moving. This will help reduce stress, keep your body in good shape and even help you sleep better at night. Ideas: Take a walk outside, the view is better than on the treadmill. Take a yoga or couples dance class. Stop at points during your day and just take 5-10 deep breaths. Use the stairs or park in the farthest point of the lot. The more you move, the better you’ll feel.
Give of Your Soul: The most rewarding way to work on your overall health and happiness is to do things that are good for your soul. These are the types of activities that require you set aside time to focus on and give to others - but remember; giving is healthy for you too. It helps you grow your relationships with others, feel fulfilled and show how much you care. One of the easiest ways to give to others is to spend time with them. It often doesn’t cost anything but it can be more rewarding and appreciated than anything you do. And the receivers can be anyone from your kids or parents to the homeless and needy. Ideas: Volunteer. This is a broad concept. Get involved with local organizations and share your ideas. You have skills that can help people around you. Organize a family reunion or special event that brings people together. Get involved with a Church or Spiritual group. Foster a pet. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5, 50 or 85 years old, you always have something to give. Let your mind wander on how you can help others and the opportunities will appear.
Expand your Heart: Mother Theresa is quoted saying “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” We’re always too busy or too broke to do things on a grand scale so keep it small. Expand the amount of love you have for the people in your life and your problems will seem smaller and less tragic. Ideas: Write a small note to each of the people you work with telling them how much you appreciate them. Look people in the eye and thank them. Smiles are contagious (apparently so are butterfly stickers in this town) so spread them. Valentines Day is coming so follow the youth example and buy a silly box of valentines for everyone you know.
There is a reason the definition of charity is the “practice” of giving versus the “act” of giving. It was Aristotle who said, “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
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