You’re broke. What could you possibly give? In the light of the recent tragedy in Japan and people like me asking for money to save puppies, what could you possibly spare, and why the heck should you? The answer is: plenty. The more you give, the more you get.
The great thing about the internet is that it has made “making a difference,” as easy as a mouseclick- you don’t have a lot of money, and you don’t have to have a lot of time. LoveDrop is making a HUGE impact by the act of microgiving: people giving $1 a month have generated enough money to buy a family in need a $13,000 service dog for their kids in LESS THAN 30 DAYS.
The truth is, if you learn to give in little ways- whether it means purging your clothes at the start of a new season or giving $1 or clicking “share,” on a noble post- you are opening the door to more prosperity in your life- simply because you’ve made room for it.
You can read about my rant about people complaining about being poor, but beyond that- I have one piece of advice: If you want to be rich, you need to prepare for prosperity. We need to work past our sense of entitlement and learn to be grateful. Offer yourself as a humble servant to the world- and you will be rewarded. I’m not talking about walking a thousands steps by crawling on your belly like a Indian Sadhu seeking enlightenment- but simple, little, painless things you can do will free up your life for abundance.
-Realize there is always a need. All around you is something worth supporting and virtually countless ways to do so.
-When someone you know on Facebook is looking for support in their upcoming fundraiser or Walk, hit “share,” or donate something as small as $1.
-Go through your stuff. Not only will your unwanted stuff help others, but it will make you feel in control of your life and open to new possibilities.
-Click here to fight hunger- really it’s ONLY a click! In 30 seconds and 6 clicks you can support several tried-and-true charities.
-Volunteer within walking distance. You are surrounded by community. Be a part of it. All around you are parks, schools, churches, animal rescues, blood donation centers. You are already close- make the connection.
-Give a sh*t. I realize that charity has been commercialized with pink ribbons and Project Red, but if you’re going to wear a t-shirt, how is it wrong that it’s standing for something? Being passionate about a cause can emanate from your very core and can be supported through the smallest of purchases or donations. Wear your heart on your sleeve and your cause on your wrist (or lapel). You will be seen, and wearing apparel that raises awareness doesn’t always have to trivialize a cause.
I am passionate about giving, I am also less-than-passionately broke. But I’ve honestly found that when I stopped focusing on how “broke I am,” and instead, focused on how much I do have, and offered to share it- I have increased my riches. Odd… I give more, and I get more in what I’m looking for in job opportunities, help from loved ones, support from faculty and the simple goodness of purpose.
When I looked over my finances for the month, I discovered one thing greater than my $10 allotment for Caramel Macchiatos …it was the joy of knowing that across the country, an unsuspecting little girl will soon be receiving a little something for an MS Walk she’s so excited to be a part of….now that is sweet. 🙂
