It’s the holiday season!
If there is one important way to help us heal from the existential crisis that COVID has brought upon us, I believe that it remembering that the interconnected nature of the world we live in.
In the spirit of the holidays and expressing gratitude, I want to take a moment to remind us about the importance of thinking of ourselves as part of a greater community and greater purpose. In fact, scientific studies show that volunteerism and philanthropy can be great for your health (and even allow you to live longer).
This blog post by Michael Hyatt (5 research-backed benefits of making generosity a habit) has excellent information about why we should make generosity a habit. Hyatt explores five benefits of giving back:
- Generosity makes us healthy.
- Generosity makes us happy.
- Generosity lowers our stress.
- Generosity improves our relationships.
- Generosity extends our lives.
Which one is your favorite?
I would say they are all wonderful benefits, but the idea that generosity lowers our stress is something to highly consider during these incredibly stressful times.
I recently interviewed my friend and philanthropy superstar Jodi Delaney, and we talked about how we are all capable of being agents of change. Jodi gives us the inspiration to crystallize our values, map out a new mission, and connect with our purpose.
Listen to the full interview with Jodi Delaney.
Jodi talks about how there is a lot to be concerned about.
What is your biggest concern in the world today?
The next question is, “what can you do about it?”
I like to think about giving back in terms of “time, talent, and treasure”. Time and talent have to do with the expertise you can bring to a solution and how you can volunteer to help a cause. Treasure is the important donation we can make to support causes.
Our family gives to many causes, but as a nutritionist, it made sense for me to get involved in the movement to feed others in a healthy and sustainable way. As the Founder of the nonprofit Nurture, I have been able to help tens of thousands of people learn how to cook and enjoy healthy and low-cost meals.
This month, I am doing a problem with kids in schools in Costa Rica, providing them with fun books and activities to support healthy nutrition habits.
We are always looking for helpers at Nurture as we collaborate with food pantries, social service agencies, and schools. Whether you are a designer, entrepreneur, videographer, educator, lawyer, or banker, we likely have a role for you. Feel free to reach out to me on my contact page if you’d like to get involved with your time and talent.
If you’d like to offer your treasure, Nurture is always graciously accepting donations to support our program work.
With the triple pandemic we’re experiencing right now, – the virus, a global Mental Health crisis, and a nutritional crisis related to the continuing rise of nutritionally related disease, it’s more important now than ever that we lend a helping hand.
I hope you enjoy the benefits of giving back! And Happy Holidays to you and yours.
