I love this time of year. For me, as I’m sure it is for many of you, it’s a season of giving. December, in fact, is designated to be “National Giving Month” in the United States.

It’s about more than just material gifts, of course. This time of year we should give of our time, our service, and our compassion. As I wrote at the start of the month, it’s important to give of ourselves to others.

But it’s also important to give to ourselves.

We need to stay balanced personally. To do that, we should dedicate time for self-care, peace, and solitude. By nurturing ourselves, we cultivate the energy needed to help others.

3 Ways to Celebrate the Spirit of Giving

1. Serve Others: Volunteer time and skills to those in need. Whether it’s helping a neighbor or volunteering at a charity, I find tremendous value in getting outside of myself and making a difference in someone else’s life.
2. Anonymous Do Kind Acts: Do something kind for someone who can do nothing for you in return. When possible, do it anonymously. It’s an act that truly embodies the spirit of giving and flows out to others.
3. Give to Yourself: Because it’s important to stay balanced personally, dedicate time for self-care, peace, and solitude. By nurturing ourselves, we cultivate the energy and tolerance needed to help others.

In All the Right Reasons, I relay a story of a college professor who said, “Nothing is more important than relationships. In your careers, your paths will cross with many people. They all matter and deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile, say hello and learn their names. Few things are more important to people than being called by their first name.”

Especially during this month of giving, I urge everyone to treat others with kindness and respect. Learn their names, acknowledge them as you pass by, and step outside of your own issues to be genuinely respectful to everyone.

By adopting this mindset, individuals can foster deeper connections, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose that extends beyond the holiday season.

As the Month of Giving unfolds, let’s come together to create a ripple effect of generosity, kindness, and compassion. By serving others, helping anonymously, and actually giving time for ourselves, we pave the way for stronger, more meaningful relationships that endure well beyond the holiday season.

We all have the power to help others, to give back, and to do good in this world. That’s my wish and hope for you this holiday season. Please take comfort in the spirit of giving to those around you and to yourself.

I shared these thoughts in a news release published on Dec. 4, 2023. I also shared a version with e-newsletter subscribers on Dec. 19. Please consider subscribing.