Spirit Of Giving Fires Oprah/NYTimes With Best Intentions

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Dear Wellness Seekers,

Spirit of Giving Fires Oprah/NYTimes With Best Intentions and inspires Spanista to share a personal Self Care discovery of joy that giving back generates.

As Thanksgiving approaches it is natural to reflect on what we have accomplished so far this year – Where did the nine months go? How did we spend our time? Do memories of rich moments of happiness play in your mind? Or do you see a seamless montage of repeated routines day after day? Are you stuck in your comfort zone, but yearning for something more?

This weekend I read a NYTimes Special Section, titled GIVING.  The lead story is “Doing Good In Harms Way” Relief work in Ebola Zone Is Fraught With Risk by John Schwartz. It tells the story of medical care workers who devote their lives to caring for the neediest in the most remotes areas – especially Africa. Dr. Rick Sacra almost gave his life as a result of Ebola.

I am struck by the generosity of spirit that seems to be born in some individuals from an early age.  They have a calling to give of themselves by serve people one to one. This is emotional joy of for them – so loving, intimate and admirable – a Giving Spirit moves them forward.

There are many studies conducted over the past few years about the nature adopting a Giving Spirit, you know by now Spanista feels that giving to oneself by nurturing our hearts first is of paramount importance. But that does not mean we become narcissistic. It means if we take care of ourselves well we suddenly discover we have an open heart to serve others. This may seem paradoxical at first but it is not. It is a Spansita Truism.

This exact thing happened to me. I grew up without the family influences to donate time and energy to causes. This came to my awareness on my personal journey of self-awareness and discovery. You heard the saying “When the student is ready the teacher arrives.” When I was working in New York as an Executive at an influential Global Marketing Company I began to feel my gratitude for the blessings of my career on Madison Avenue. An introduction by a professional friend to a professional friend beckoned me. And I knew the calling was from a Higher Power. I could not walk away. My heart was open. That was six years ago and today I find myself on a trip to see a notable person to share our story about AbodShelters.com. While my calling came later in my career but it is no less a heart-felt commitment.

I share this with you not to seek faint praise but to inspire you to discover the Giving Spirit within you. From personal experience I can offer It brings you a different kind of happiness – one that makes you feel your true role on Earth is being expressed in a greater ways. There can be a happiness that comes with others who do mission work together. There can be the type of happiness that comes with writing a check at the holidays to make a difference for locals families that need your support. It all counts and it will make your heart soar with joy after you do it.

PINIMAGEOprah Magazine’s Holiday Issue is full of great advice on how to cultivate a Giving Spirit. I was surprised to discover the articles because the cover did not feature the theme only the famous “Oprah’s Favorite Things”, which is why I picked up the issue as the airport. I suggest taking a look as it emphasizes ways approach giving that you can adopt to fit your ambition. My favorite article is the one I picture here: “Holiday Time and The Giving Is Easy” by Catherine Newman. A lighthearted yet very insightful story about the impact of the Giving Spirit on her and her family.

 

PINIMAGENo matter if you contribute money or your time, may you begin your Giving Spirit Self Care Journey to Joy by making a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.

Closing with this quote: “To those who have been given much – much is expected.” Will share more on my cause related adventures soon.

To Your Self Care Journey To Joy,

Ginny