If you had $1,000 to donate to any cause or charity right now, what/who would you choose and why?
Don't be clever. This isn't that kind of test. This is the kind of test where there are good answers and then well-thought-out answers, and neither matter. All that matters is that you listen to yourself. No, not just fantasize about other people's reactions to your projected altruism. When you put that answer out into the world, take it back in and digest it.
Is that really important to me?
Does my heart ache when I see children going hungry or homeless veterans?
Would I really give up my money to help them?
What could I do right now to help them?
And this is the part of your introspection I wish for you to reach. Consider it a mantra of sorts: "What can I do to make your life easier?" It's actually a line used in business as a way to build trust.
Trust? Why in the world would I need someone I don't know trust me?
Maybe it's not about you. What they need is tangible - food, water, shelter, clothing, security. What you need is a little more fluid - a sense of importance, accomplishment, connection. Connection. Sure, you may feel some relief from the burden of empathy after offering help, but will you fill connected? The proffer of charity without any expectations or judgement, and perhaps a healthy dose of compassion, is a freeing experience for both you and your recipient. Just stop. And listen. And respond.
There are millions of people who walk this earth every day with no such dearth who cannot claim they receive attentive interaction. But when you have so little, stopping everything makes your generous gesture all the more remarkable. Time or money, right? That's all you can donate. Wrong. You can absolutely donate your attention. And don't just pray. Pray all year long, if you must, but once a year, let your prayer come to life. Step outside your door, and bridge that gap between you and someone who might need you.
And maybe, just maybe, you'll recall the value of giving.
I'm sorry... did I ruin your holiday fun? That was not my intention. There plenty of things surrounding you to cheer you up, I'm sure, if you know where to look. I'm sure you have presents to open, and people that love you to visit, and special foods to eat, and, even if you don't have any of that today of all days, you at least have your health to be grateful for. After all, you could be dead.
I invite you all to tell me, without expectation or judgement, What can I do to make your life easier? I can't say that I'll be able to fulfill that need, only that I shall listen. In the spirit of reciprocity, I'd like to tell you what you could do for me. You could leave me a comment, whether on this post or any other of my blog posts. Writing can be lonely, you see, and it helps to know that someone is listening to me, too.
May you be as kindly received as the kindness you show. Thank you.
