Today’s Topic: Giving Generously

The best way to feel good this holiday season and anytime throughout the year is through giving generously. It is also a great way to boost your own abundance. Giving creates an energy exchange. In fact, whenever I feel a bit down and need a boost, I ask myself how I can give in the moment.

One thing I love about the holiday season is giving presents. I love to surprise people and I love putting thought into what I give. It’s not about the money I spend, it’s the thought that I put into it. My two daughters are getting a big surprise this year, something they have wanted for a couple of years, and I can’t wait to see the look on their faces. I can’t tell you here, because they might read it. The anticipation is exciting. All of my kids like to be surprised by their gifts, they don’t want to know what they are getting.

I have also learned over the years to not be attached to people’s reactions to presents. Some people get really excited, others merely express, “That’s nice.” So I am not giving to expect gratitude, I am giving because it feels good to give.

People are different. My son, Nick, isn’t into presents very much. He told me this year that he couldn’t think of anything he wanted. He appreciates anything, but I think his favorite part is having everyone together since he is the last one at home. He loves spending time with his older siblings. He is also enjoying giving presents to people and thinking about what people might like.

Beyond presents to friends and family, why not also give to your community? I find that the most meaningful giving is when you have a reason “why”. I give blankets to the homeless because years ago, I was involved with helping the United Way raise money and I spent a lot of time at a local homeless shelter. I was moved by the people there and wanted to help.

You can give no matter what your circumstance are. During my own time of financial struggle over 20 years ago, I sensed that I would feel better if I could find a way to give. I looked around my house and thought, there has got to be some way I can give, then I heard on the radio that a women’s shelter was low on blankets.  I collected all of my extra blankets and brought them over to the shelter one cold December day.  I felt amazing. I was able to give. It was a turning point for me with my own financial abundance, too. Feeling better leads to higher energy, which leads to more abundance.

Years later, my daughter went on a servant trip with her youth group to the inner city of LA and she worked directly with homeless people and also was part of filming a documentary about the experience. She then started “Blankets for Denver” with a couple of friends as a DECA project in High School. She is a senior in college now, and still collects blankets and money to buy blankets for homeless people in Denver. This season, I am donating blankets- a lot of blankets.

Other ways to give start with having an attitude of giving. Tip extra to people in the service industry. Give extra to your church. Drop money in the red Salvation Army buckets. Drop off toys for toy drives. Empty your change into the supermarkets collection buckets that support worthy causes. You don’t have to do it all, but every time you take an opportunity to give, you feel good.

Tip: Know the organization. Not all organizations are great. Some spend a ton of money on admin. Some are scams. Do a bit of research. One of my rules is that I don’t give when people I don’t know call me on the phone. I also don’t give money when people knock on my door. Though I don’t have a problem giving some canned goods. Even if someone isn’t from a legit organization, if they somehow need some corn and peas, I don’t mind.

Tis the season to give generously. Part of this attitude is also to give thanks. Thank everyone, profusely. Appreciate people. Love people.

Note: Today is Day 4 of 12 Days of Christmas on my blog. This has become an annual tradition and I love doing it. Each day, now through Dec 17, I will feature an article that will help you celebrate the season, achieve your goals, and maintain your inner peace. On December 23, I will be announcing a $50 Amazon gift card winner based on all of the comments on the blog between Dec 5 and Dec 17. You will be entered one time for each comment. You are limited to one comment per day. You could be entered in the drawing up to 12 times.

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I would love to know your thoughts on giving generously, please comment below.

Sheri Kaye Hoff

Coach, Trainer, and Author, Sheri Kaye Hoff, is a Business Coach known for inspiring massive action and a catalyst for personal and business growth, joy, and profits in a way that is fun, relaxing, and fulfilling, Sheri inspires people to do the work they love and make more money. Sheri helps business owners and professionals to relax into success. She uses both spiritual and practical techniques to obliterate blocks and create dramatic change. She is a business, leadership, happiness, and inner game expert. She has overcome nearly dying, and the loss of her brother at an early age. She has made it her life mission to discover the keys to happiness and success and then share them with her clients and community. Learn More About Sheri