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 