Helping Hands discussion

I am hoping that as we gather more people together, we can also gather ideas. Share traditions, thoughts, past experiences with the meaning of 'giving'.

This doesn't necessarily have to mean giving gifts. This doesn't have to be narrowed down to one certain time of year. This doesn't have to be all 'American'.

I will open more folders for you to post all of your positive thoughts. All thoughts are welcome (excluding those outlined in the rules).

If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to add to this thread or you can send me a message. I love feedback!

I am really looking forward to this! Oh, and invite your friends. The more the merrier. Welcome Everyone!!!

According to Wikipedia,the meaning of philanthropy . is the act of donating money, goods, time, or effort to support a charitable cause, usually over an extended period of time and in regard to a defined objective.

Giving satisfies a basic human purpose. Who wouldn't want to improve the condition of mankind.

The meaning of philanthropy can be described many ways. It is caring and sharing. It is giving and serving. It is our individual response to the human need. Your opportunity to get involved.

means love for mankind or love of mankind. I like that.

Today, the philanthropy act of doing can include many concepts but basically is the voluntary giving by an individual or group to promote the common good.

he big guns, the millionaire and billionaire philanthropists have taking HUGE strides in AIDS research and care, heart disease, disaster victims, global warming, cancer, stem cell research, poverty, healthcare and education.

I personally do things on a slightly smaller scale. I like person to person giving. One on one charity. I like to make an immediate change in someone’s life by helping them pay a medical bill and alleviate that stress or buy diapers for their new baby. Just recently I helped two families bring Christmas to their kids. That's what brings me joy in my philanthropy... that immediate feeling that I helped someone. That is how I mostly choose to show my love for mankind.

The point is, your choices are endless. Find a cause near and dear to your heart, give with joy and feel the power of giving.

http://www.power-of-giving.com/meanin...

"In the United States, giving represents about 2.1 percent of gross domestic product"

"I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

What i can do, I ought to do.

What i ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.

I believe you were inspire to create this group.

Thank you, Brenda. I'm glad you're in the group. I'm hoping that with all of us we can inspire each other to try to bring a little bit more good in the world.

I get your message and your intentions, Heather. This time of year seems to bring out the best and the worst of humankind. I would like to see less crash commercialism, I have yet to venture to the mall, I know it is almost Christmas, but I try to avoid the crowds. Hoping for a better new year of 2012. Thanks for inviting me, Heather!

Thank you for being here, Robin. I always try to get my obligatory shopping done before Thanksgiving. I vehemently avoid the 'commercial' places especially around this time of year. You are absolutely right, it does bring out the best and worst, and I'm amazed at how it paradoxically seems to bring out those two characteristics within the same person. I don't get it. This is why I think that if we strive to focus on others, we will get greater joy in our own lives. I know it makes me happier.

I wasn't going to post this, and I know if I am going to post it, it should go in the other thread, but to relate an experience today...

I had one of the worst days at work today, well, all week as a matter of fact. Not because of any strangers, but just due to my present situation. I just got off work an hour ago, cried all the way out of the parking lot. I had to stop at the store on my way home, visibly upset. I passed the usual Salvation Army people out there with their bucket. I feel like I do all I can do but as I got back to my car after making my purchase, I turned back around and put $1 into the bucket. It's not much, I know. But for what it's worth, I didn't cry the rest of the way home :)

I'm not saying that these little acts always change our attitude or happiness, but it does bring a quiet peace, if only for a few minutes.

I know of what you relate, I was in your other group, no need to apologize. In just the little acts of kindness do we feel an interconnectedness to others. Sometimes we have to step out of ourselves for awhile. I know this is hard this time of year.

This YouTube was shared with me. And now u am sharing it here. It us about the small things bringing joys and love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc8ZbV...


Lightest touch sometimes has the greater healing power.

Brenda, that video was amazing, it made me smile...a little wistfully, though. If only the whole world could be that way. Thank you for sharing.

But the whole is that way. What we do effects everyone, and each other. You creating this site brought so much more happiness into my life and the life of others, how far does the fruits goes is unexplainable. Seeds from this fruits brings fourth more fruits with more seeds within. Love is the greatest seed of all. Thank you for bringing joy into my life.



Here is another YouTube. Mire from a science point if view.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYYXq1...

You are so welcome, Brenda. That makes me feel good that this group has brought you joy. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is getting anything out of this (besides me). I hope so, but you have really kind of read my thoughts.
Thank you so much for your posts and input.

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and most of all, a new year more filled with love, giving and kindness. Yes, spread the joy!

I will try to be a better person in my future dealings with people. I know that this time of year people are harried and frantic. I just went out Christmas shopping in our neighborhood and didn't feel the usual stress that this time of year usually brings. It was kind of fun going out and being among other fellow shoppers.

That's good news, Robin!

You know, even though this group isn't very active, I'm glad I have it. I realized that I am now more cognizant of the little nice things that happen during the day, and I'm more apt to be a little nicer. I don't know why that is, it just is.

Have a WONDERFUL DAY everyone!

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

In such turbulent times as these, when we may feel alone and small and unable to make any lasting changes we may find ourselves asking "What can I do that will make a difference?" or "What can one small person like me do?"

In reality we don't have to be rich, talented or even particularly intelligent to make a difference in the life of another. We just need to remember that we ARE here for a purpose, and that making small changes in the world eventually add up to something bigger in the life of another.

Thank you, Ryan. Welcome to the group! That was an excellent story and example...and so true! We can all make a little difference for the better.

And you, all 25 of you, have begun just by being in this group. Thank you everyone!

Ryan wrote: "Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, h..."

That's a beautiful story, Ryan.

Ryan, that was an enjoyable read. Thanks for sharing.

Just a reminder as posted in the other thread...
BE GOOD TO YOURSELF THIS WEEK! HAVE A GREAT ONE, EVERYBODY!

How was everyone's Be Good to Yourself week? Did you remember? Get a manicure? Take time to read your favorite book? Spend quality time with your kids or significant other? Go out on the town? Eat at your favorite restaurant? The possibilities are endless!

If anyone has done anything good for yourself this last week, please share!

I hope all is well!

I did get a pedicure and am managing to squeeze in some time to reading which is one of my favorite pasttimes. Whatever qualifies as me time I try to carve some time each day in this endeavor.

That's great, Robin! You know, I've heard that when we take time to pamper ourselves rather than always putting everyone else first, we are better able to help others. We are more relaxed, have a clearer mind, and maybe even a better understanding because maybe we're not as stressed ourselves.

I think everyone needs to give themselves me time, it is not an act of selfishness, but rather to help us distress like you so eloquently put it.

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I hope everyone is doing okay as there hasn't been any recent activity.

Thank you, Barbara. Yes, I think we all might have a lot on our minds. I'm speaking for myself anyway. I hope you are doing ok, too!

Well, we are here for you if you ever want to share what's on your mind. I'm doing okay. It's a hot one where I am and I plan to go outside in a bit.

:)

a few groups to volunteer for that is helping me with giving back, martarswimming.com(swim lessons for disabled kids), bellomachre.org(community living for adults with disabilities) and hematters.net(mentoring conference for inner city male youths). a few hours here and there make all the difference.

great suggestions, Stephen! Thank you for sharing those, I wonder if they have anything in my community

Stephen, that sounds like a great program! Years ago, I participated in a program with disabled youth where we swam and did gym activities. It was for a class I was taking in Special Ed in College. I really is so important to the families for their children to have these social activities.

Building a business with positive people also helps teams work from home. Mainly positive at www.ltdhq.com . Beware of any negative going imto your brain.

"Beware of any negative going into your brain."

Amen

I'll check out the link, Stephen, and also take your message to heart.

What's worse? Trying and failing? or never trying?

Never trying!

Just wondering...is anyone getting any ideas or inspiration from belonging to our group? I say 'OUR' because it is your group and my group. We are all in this together to make the world a better place.

I would love some feedback! Hope everyone is having a great week!

Hi! While it is nice to get ideas, I also like to meet people who like to do community service. The world can be a scary place and it makes me feel more safe if I know people who are trying to make a difference. Also, they are interesting people to get to know too. Doing good can be fun too. The need to socialize is a good reason to volunteer too.

You listed several great reasons, Barbara. You're absolutely right. It just feels good all around :)

As Lincoln is reported to have said, "When I do good, I feel good."

Wow! Are we still here? I am now, sorry I've been absent for so long. I'm a slacker :(

But I thought of a few ideas for possible threads and suggestions for more charitable acts and gifts.

See upcoming posts! Hope to get you back!

Yes, we are here! That's the nice thing about being online that we can work it in at our convenience.

Hi everyone! Anyone still here? I'm so sorry I have been a stranger to this, my own, group! I hope we can have some more action here, especially some experiences and ideas from times other than the holidays. Of course, holidays count, too, so if you have anything you would like to share about Christmas, or any other holiday celebrated in December, please share! It doesn't have to be just this year, it can be from any time. Something you've thought of, something you've witnessed, or any ideas you've heard. Please share!

I'd love to hear from you and please forgive me for being absent! I don't have much of an excuse over such a long period of time, I just want to apologize.