With this being the holiday season, the season of giving, we start to see an influx of people allocating time to volunteering, donating goods or funds to charities, or simply being friendlier to a stranger for the sake of “good will.” When we do these things, we only partially do them for the good it does the entity whom we are providing to – we do it because it gives us just as much benefit. We find self-worth in helping those less fortunate, or a smile from throwing a few bucks in the Salvation Army bucket outside Walmart.
While this may be a seasonal thing for some, it is a lifelong desire for all. Every single one of us aspires to be better. Your aspirations could be as basic as drinking less pop or eating less fast food, all the way to finding a new career to alleviate personal or financial stress. We all long for this sense of betterment, and with it comes an overwhelming “sprinkler” effect on the people and environment around us.
This shared improvement could be something like being able to more easily provide for your family, buy more gifts for your kids, or simply keep the lights on. Or, you could improve the workload and efficiency of other employees by joining their time and bring personal experience and talent to an otherwise droning workplace. The light you bring with you to any situation could be the light that brightens the tunnel, leads others to the clean, crisp air.
As we head into the New Year, keep these things in mind. Your goals of losing 20 pounds could have a snowball effect that provides you an easier daily workload or a few extra years of life to play with your grandkids. Waking up an hour earlier to knock out some of your group’s work or assignments could be the inspiration needed for others within the group to pick up their own pace. Your choice to quit eating fast food could lead to a healthier, and happier, life for your children or spouse.
A tree doesn’t simply go upwards as a single stalk – it grows branches, leaves, provides a safe place for birds and animals, and shade to those underneath it. Consider your birds and animals when contemplating change.
Deconstructed Echos 