One way to feel gratitude and appreciation is by giving to others. As a motivational speaker and resiliency coach, I share with clients and audiences that gratitude helps us to be resilient. By giving to others we get out of our own orbit of focusing on ourselves and put our energy and time into thinking about others. When we give we benefit as well as it brings about a feeling of unity and reminds us that we are all connected. This feeling warms our hearts and creates lightness from within that we can continue to radiate outward!
I know that this time of year we may find that there are so many areas in which we feel where we want & need to spend our time, money, and energy. I want to remind you that giving can involve money but you can also give your time, your energy and love-all of which do not cost a thing.
For fifteen years I volunteered at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. I had the honor of receiving the delight of experiencing tea days when I was a patient, My mom and I wanted to volunteer and give back and join this group of woman who filled our cups literally and figuratively when we needed it most.
I wanted to give back by sharing my story and perspective so that others did not feel so alone but instead felt hopeful, motivated and inspired that they too would rise up to their health challenges like I have as a successful post heart transplant recipient.
Along with like minded women we shared our love, time, energy, food, beverages, insight and perspective as we served homemade baked goods and tea sandwiches to the professional staff, patients, and their family members. We created a space that felt like an oasis in the middle of the hospital by transforming the parents lounge into high tea, as the décor and fine china cast a vast juxtaposition to the hospital setting. By serving, talking, listening, sharing our personal experiences and perspectives we nourished their mind, body, and spirit in the midst of chaos.
I have always had a strong desire to give to others in a way that would be of the highest good for all, which is embedded in my life and work. Today, I contributed to the American Heart Association NJ and PA blog as a guest blogger. In this blog, I share how practicing gratitude fosters resiliency, and invited others that can to give for Giving Tuesday. What better day than today (Giving Tuesday) to give or think about how you can volunteer your time, love, energy, and/or money.
