Baltic CountessTIME is but a Moment make...'s blog: "fEELINGS..."

All of us can be philanthropists regardless of age, ethnic group, or economic status. While philanthropy is often expressed by a significant monetary donation to worthy causes, writing a check is only one way to flex your giving muscles. Many of you already use a combination of resources, including time, treasure, and talent to support causes you care about.

The common goal of all givers is to promote the welfare of others. Whether you’ve reaped rewards from life or feel you’ve been denied them, be one of those resilient individuals who help others simply because it feels right, just, and satisfying to do so.

While you may recognize that acts of charity and community service are good and necessary, you may not believe that you personally can make an impact on society. You may feel overwhelmed with the enormity of need that exists. You’re only one person after all, and there is so much to be done. But don’t be discouraged. Begin. As they say, if you save one person, you save a community.

There’s no limit to how much you can love, and basically, that’s what this is all about. Unconditional love.

Did you know that giving to others is good for your overall health and well-being? It’s true. Giving of yourself to help the greater good has the added benefit of enhancing your sense of self-worth.

Giving back isn’t just something to do when you have extra time and extra money. Giving back helps complete the circle of life you are in. You are an important piece of the puzzle of life. Please don’t forget it.

If your life has been filled with disappointments, tragedy, abuse or violence, you may not think you owe this world much. On the other hand, you might have realized that if someone had given you a hand when you needed it, you’d have surmounted your difficulties that much sooner.

Make it a habit to give of your time, talent or treasure. There is no shortage of ways you can impact society and effect positive change. The critical question is not what you’ll do, but rather, how quickly can you begin?

Regardless of whether you save a village or feed one starving child, your philanthropy — your random acts of kindness, charity, and advocacy will leave a mark. The message you leave behind states clearly, “I have self-worth, and I believe you do too. We are part of a community. In the end, we are all worthy, worthwhile, and valid.”