Oprah’s Big Give is a hit! According to Reuter’s estimates, almost 16 million tuned in Sunday. Wow! Wouldn’t it be great if that many viewers were inspired to start or continue giving in their own lives? I could probably be called “a caregiver to the world” because I have a deep desire to help others and want to “write my name upon the sands of time” by making a difference wherever I can.

In itself that’s a good thing. However, as I’m also extremely sensitive to people, I want to help the entire world and take away the pain so I may empathize too much, ending up not sleeping because my mind won’t relax. Memories of things and events stay with me for long periods of time so I’m more careful about how much “information” or news I take in. Especially working on my mindset to financial freedom.

I like the thoughts of Andre Agassi as he reflected on “Oprah’s Big Give.” He said, “We all have a hundred chances a day to make a difference in somebody’s lives, but if we actually proactively seek that, you can do some amazing things!”

That reminded me of a conversation Rel and I had with our daughters recently about Christmas, traditions etc. We were trying to impress on them the importance of giving back, not just the aspect of “expectation or obligation,” which takes a lot of the fun out of the experience. At least for us anyway. Next holiday, we’re carting everyone down to a soup kitchen to see what service to others less fortunate really means. In time we plan to get them involved with handing out blankets and sandwiches to the homeless, and starting a drive at their school to donate new toys to the boys and girls shelters here.

I can’t get an image out of my head from college of a visit to one here in the Midwest. The boys in this particular shelter were so thrilled to have someone visit them. One kid only had an old bible that he carried around with him everywhere. It was the only thing he owned.
The official there told our group that many of the kids don’t have anything, not even toys or visitors. That broke my heart to see all their little excited, chattering faces. I’ve been an advocate for Toys For Tots volunteering (loving making deliveries wearing the reindeer ears and hat) since that time.

Talk about gratitude! Volunteer to do this even once and the kidsyou deliver gifts to will make you truly know the meaning of that word. We are rich beyond compare. How do you give back to others? Your ideas and suggestions are welcomed, encouraged and appreciated.

Make it a giving day!