In this month when we celebrate love on Valentine's Day, I wanted to talk about a different kind of love — that which can transform you, your community and maybe even the world. I was happy to receive a good number of comments and requests for reprints when I published this last February, so thought I would share it with you again.
The word philanthropy is derived from Greek words generally meaning “love of mankind,” or further “love of humankind,” and is broadly defined as an active effort to foster and provide for the welfare of others.
Most people think of philanthropy as only giving large amounts of capital to good works for the benefit of society, thus outside the realm of the average person. If so, philanthropists would only be those who possess great wealth and are able to pursue these noble interests on a grand scale. However, being a philanthropist is within the reach of each and every one of us of any age, ability or capacity who chooses to enhance the quality of life, benefit the community and the world, or help those in need.
Any offering that benefits another can be an act of philanthropy, thus anyone can be a philanthropist by merely sharing and caring for others.
Philanthropists are those who give of what they have through contributions of money or other resources; who give of themselves through volunteering time, talent, skills or expertise; who give of who they are through acts of kindness, encouragement and compassion; or those who, through the thoughtful donation of precious anatomical gifts during their lifetimes and beyond ultimately even give themselves for others.
Everyone has something to give. Giving enriches the lives of those who give as it benefits those who receive. Giving is empowering and consuming. The more you give, the more you want to give. Many claim experiencing what researchers call a “giver's high,” a euphoric physical response much like a “runner's high.”
Studies show that family members, friends and neighbors as well as colleagues and fellow workers who come together to volunteer their time and efforts and contribute their resources to help others also experience grateful contentment, more purpose and joy and better health in their own lives. And what better gift could we share with others than to nurture their caring spirits and generous hearts for a lifetime of purpose and joy?
In these challenging times, people yearn to feel connected, but are often hesitant to reach out for the acknowledgement or consolation they so desperately need. You can practice the spirit of philanthropy by being the one who reaches out first to give words of encouragement or a warm smile where you feel it would be appreciated; to give friendship and hope where you sense there is despondency or despair; or to give support and to honor and respect the rights and freedoms of others.
Embrace philanthropy, the love of humankind in your heart and receive the joys of giving. I promise you it will make a difference in the world and in your life. Start by making your own promise to consciously give the gift of one good deed each day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that will help someone else in some way. It might be the only gift they receive.
“A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.”
— Chinese Proverb
“Generosity is a principle, not an amount.”
— Millie Thornton
“The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.”
— Walt Whitman
“Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.”
— Andre Gide
“We cannot do great things, only small things with great love.”
–Mother Teresa
The word philanthropy is derived from Greek words generally meaning “love of mankind,” or further “love of humankind,” and is broadly defined as an active effort to foster and provide for the welfare of others.
Most people think of philanthropy as only giving large amounts of capital to good works for the benefit of society, thus outside the realm of the average person. If so, philanthropists would only be those who possess great wealth and are able to pursue these noble interests on a grand scale. However, being a philanthropist is within the reach of each and every one of us of any age, ability or capacity who chooses to enhance the quality of life, benefit the community and the world, or help those in need.
Any offering that benefits another can be an act of philanthropy, thus anyone can be a philanthropist by merely sharing and caring for others.
Philanthropists are those who give of what they have through contributions of money or other resources; who give of themselves through volunteering time, talent, skills or expertise; who give of who they are through acts of kindness, encouragement and compassion; or those who, through the thoughtful donation of precious anatomical gifts during their lifetimes and beyond ultimately even give themselves for others.
Everyone has something to give. Giving enriches the lives of those who give as it benefits those who receive. Giving is empowering and consuming. The more you give, the more you want to give. Many claim experiencing what researchers call a “giver's high,” a euphoric physical response much like a “runner's high.”
Studies show that family members, friends and neighbors as well as colleagues and fellow workers who come together to volunteer their time and efforts and contribute their resources to help others also experience grateful contentment, more purpose and joy and better health in their own lives. And what better gift could we share with others than to nurture their caring spirits and generous hearts for a lifetime of purpose and joy?
In these challenging times, people yearn to feel connected, but are often hesitant to reach out for the acknowledgement or consolation they so desperately need. You can practice the spirit of philanthropy by being the one who reaches out first to give words of encouragement or a warm smile where you feel it would be appreciated; to give friendship and hope where you sense there is despondency or despair; or to give support and to honor and respect the rights and freedoms of others.
Embrace philanthropy, the love of humankind in your heart and receive the joys of giving. I promise you it will make a difference in the world and in your life. Start by making your own promise to consciously give the gift of one good deed each day, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that will help someone else in some way. It might be the only gift they receive.
“A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.”
— Chinese Proverb
“Generosity is a principle, not an amount.”
— Millie Thornton
“The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.”
— Walt Whitman
“Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.”
— Andre Gide
“We cannot do great things, only small things with great love.”
–Mother Teresa