Vanquish those feelings of futility
Giving to others less fortunate leads to high motivation

This is a simple article, to make a simple request: help those around you. Wake up from your selfish slumber and make a difference. Being a giver puts a spring in your step, and gives your life meaning. Helping others can be a simple as a genuine smile, or an acknowledgement that another human being is standing next to you.

Giving acknowledges, with gratitude, how much you really have. It's easy to bind yourself into a 'me-cocoon', a place where what you need becomes all-consuming, and where your needs grow so huge they distort the truth - the truth that you have so much already. When much is given, much is expected. For those of you who have safe, warm beds, concrete foundations, hot and cold running water, and the freedom to be - you're the one to whom much is given, you're the one of whom much is expected. It's essential that you remember that you're not given material possessions for yourself alone. You are the custodian of what you have, and should work your resources for the greater good.

Of greater significance however, is that giving humanises and honours the receiver. It makes a statement of their worth. In this country, with our history, this is an overdue necessity. There is nothing more generous you can do for another than communicate 'you are worthwhile'. There's nothing more motivating you can do for yourself. When you make someone else feel worthwhile, you instantly feel worthwhile too.

Shake yourself free from thinking that you only have enough for yourself. That's lack thinking, and lack thinking will result in lack itself. When you narrow your focus to include only your own needs, you narrow your experience of life - so narrow that you become spiritually closed off. When you give, you open up and revitalise your soul.

I once attended a seminar where it was suggested that everyone should look for opportunities to 'be someone's angel each day'. With this in mind I decided to bring hope where it was really needed - the waiting jobless. I Often drive past such gatherings - grown men on the roadside, just waiting for work.

In the early morning hopes must be high, but by mid morning those that remain must know there's little chance that they will feed their families that day. And that's an angel opportunity. I take whatever I have in my purse and stop to give someone a wonderful, no strings, money surprise. Sometimes I have given as much as R500 and you cannot believe the joy it produces. A miracle happens. Hopelessness is vanquished on the wings of unexpected prosperity. In that moment undiluted meaning flowed into my veins. I, the giver, am blessed abundantly.

Once, I drove back past the scene of the 'deed' and was delighted to see the recipient of my gift surrounded by a circle of amazed others, their laughing faces transformed as he told his story of luck . The possibility of the moment became rich for all, and it was clear that the mood on the whole street had been completely uplifted. That day I had a double pay back.

So next time you turn away from the approaches of a street vendor. Stop! This is your angel opportunity. Buy a Big Issue. You're giving someone dignity. Purchase a bunch of flowers. You're giving someone life changing hope. Invest in a wire basket. You're making a contribution far beyond the health of the nation. You're growing yourself.
© Catherine M Glennie