The Power of Generosity

"Christmas Gift Suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect." — Oren Arnold

The next two weeks represent a significant transition as we approach the end of the year and the holiday season. It is traditionally filled with the warmth of togetherness, joy, and celebration. While I sincerely hope this period allows you to catch your breath, find some much-needed downtime, and enjoy moments with your loved ones, we must also recognize the reality of what this time can entail. For many of us, the holiday season is not just a serene escape; it can be a whirlwind filled with family gatherings, festive meals, and short and long journeys that may lead us by plane, train, or car. Others might find themselves hosting relatives nearby or traveling to maintain connections with family and friends.

As we navigate these next ten days, I invite you to embrace the transformative power of generosity, no matter the pace of your days—whether they are calm, chaotic, or a mix of both. Let’s commit to making this holiday season a time for giving and sharing, where we can uplift ourselves and those around us.

Consider this vital truth: we can never truly know how many more sunrises, sunsets, familial dinners, comforting hugs, thoughtful gifts, or meaningful moments lie ahead. This holiday season may be your first without a beloved family member or cherished friend, and the absence can weigh heavily on our hearts. It may feel particularly challenging if you've recently relocated to a new city for work or had a physical or financial setback. You might experience disappointment if your plans for the year didn’t turn out as you had hoped or if you faced the overwhelming responsibilities of welcoming a newborn. Additionally, watching your parents age can evoke a profound mix of emotions, ranging from nostalgia to sorrow.

Amid these complex emotions and the sometimes frantic pace of the season, I encourage you to take a moment to connect deeply with those around you. Perhaps this means listening to your uncle as he passionately rants about the latest news or family gossip—taking the time to engage with him truly can strengthen your bond. Hold your mother's hand a little longer when you sit together at the table, offering her comfort and the reassurance that she is not alone. If you’re waking up early to care for a newborn, cherish those quiet moments of connection and love, even amidst the exhaustion. Consider visiting a friend who may be feeling unwell and could greatly benefit from your company and kindness. Be proactive in checking in on distant relatives, ensuring they know they are thought of, especially if they are alone. In short, go the extra mile for others; these gestures can leave a lasting impact, no matter how small.

Cherish these opportunities for connection and kindness, for they are fleeting and precious. Life has a way of moving quickly, but the memories we create during this holiday season—even amidst the chaos—will linger in our hearts.

Moreover, this time of year presents incredible opportunities for generosity—not just with our material resources but also our time and talents. We have the chance to step away from the ingrained, self-centered behaviors that often dominate our daily lives. Rather than focusing solely on our own needs and desires, we can think of others and consider how we can serve them.

Take a moment to express your heartfelt gratitude to those who have influenced your life and contributed to your journey. A simple thank-you for a colleague’s hard work, a note of appreciation for a friend’s unwavering support, or verbal recognition of a family member’s contributions can mean the world. Acknowledging those in our lives reinforces our connections and allows others to feel their value and importance.

Ultimately, as we gather together during this holiday season, let us choose to uplift each other through our actions, words, and intentions. By embracing generosity and connection, we foster an environment where love and support flourish, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us. These moments of connection, kindness, and gratitude can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to share in the spirit of giving as we close out the year and welcome a new one filled with possibilities.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

I have been able to share my thoughts weekly for the past two years through LinkedIn. I am incredibly grateful to all of you who read, respond, comment, text, or email me your thoughts. There are many times when I was sure I was done writing these weekly articles because I wasn't seeing the impact, only to get a message from someone who found a nugget of goodness in something I wrote. I am not sure how long I will continue to write these articles, but I want to express my gratitude to all of you who continue to find value in them.