I am wishing all of you out there a wonderful Christmas holiday. I hope that you find the spirit of season and carry it with you through the new year and beyond. And that spirit is philanthropy.
Philanthropy is a word that seems only attributed to billionaires and large charities that benefit may people. But it is a concept that anyone can adapt on a personal level. As a word, it means a “love of humanity” in the sense of caring, nourishing, developing and enhancing “what it is to be human”. In these terms, each of us can be philanthropists by whatever means are available to us because it is truly about a generosity of spirit.
It’s a spirit that is more evident during the holidays but it doesn’t have to be reserved only for a short period of time in each year. Smiling. Engaging with people, listening, practicing patience and helping those in need in whatever small ways you can. None of these things seem like a big deal in themselves. But on an enduring daily basis they can change the world around you.
And maybe that small step will lead to something bigger. Hey, it’s worth a try. Be a philanthropist. What have you got to lose?
In the words of the song: Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Here’s a great version from the one and only Ella Fitzgerald.
Redtree Times 
Agape and eros get plenty of publicity, but poor philia does get lost in the shuffle, sometimes. Strange to say, I’ve never really thought about it in terms of philanthropy, even though the connection should be obvious. Thanks for drawing that connection, and giving us something important to ponder.
And Merry Christmas to you and yours! I’m looking forward to enjoying your posts and following your work in 2015.
And a very merry Christmas to you as well, Linda. I hope you have a wonderful and insight filled new year. All the best to you!
On Wed, Dec 24, 2014 at 9:34 AM, Redtree Times wrote:
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Thank you for so much pleasure, in sights and words and sounds, this year was all the better for my discovery of you! And now BOATS too! Wow! I get the philanthropy, I love Ella. May I wish you and yours many blessings of this season, joyous times, to be continued….with peace in the new year!
Thank you for your always kind words– they provide so much inspiration! May you have a merry little Christmas for yourself.
On Wed, Dec 24, 2014 at 1:02 PM, Redtree Times wrote:
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