As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned a few things. That may come as a shock to my parents, but it’s true. I could overwhelm you with a long list of Alison’s life lessons, but I’m just going to talk about one (for now). We’ve always heard that it’s better to give than to receive. As a young kid, I looked at everyone who said that like they were crazy. Had they never received a gift? Seriously. It was amazing.
They were right, though, in hindsight. Once I became a mother and generally just looked at the world from a different perspective, I would much rather give gifts than to receive any. But, it’s not just gifts. I like to volunteer my time. I like to donate to worthy causes. I like to coordinate events that can benefit someone else. My mother was born with a “burden bone,” and passed it along to me. Not sure if you have a “burden bone?” Do you see an injustice and want to right it? Do you see a need and want to fill it? Do you see someone struggling and want to help? If you answered yes to those questions, then you have the “burden bone.” Congratulations!
What does all this have to do with sharing a life lesson? On Thanksgiving we sit around with friends and family, talk about all of the things we are thankful for and then plan how we are going to tackle the malls and madness of Black Friday shopping. It just seems counter-intuitive to me. I have a hard time wrapping my mind around being thankful for the over-abundance of “stuff” I have, while simultaneously planning how I’m going to go get more the very next day.
Now, before you hunt me down with pitch forks and dirty looks, I definitely don’t judge those who do. I used to go because it was an event. There was people watching, snacks, laughing, snacks, an epic nap that followed the all-nighter madness and then more snacks. However, when businesses started their sales at 6p on Thanksgiving Day… I was out.
With all of that being said, by the time you read this Black Friday will be over. Cyber Monday will have come and gone. And, you may not even be reading this on Tuesday, Nov. 29. 2016. You may be reading it on Nov. 30 or even Dec. 4. However, I want to tell you about #GIVINGTUESDAY and how — even if it is a Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday by the time you’re reading this — you can participate!
#GIVINGTUESDAY is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media (hence the hashtag as a name). It’s celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a day when people all over the world, under the values of service and giving back, are able to address challenges and make a difference. It’s all people with a “burden bone” coming together to empower and care for one another.
So, what do you do if you missed #GIVINGTUESDAY? Or, maybe it’s Tuesday and you don’t think you have time to do anything. Go online and give of your resources. It’s quick, easy, secure and impactful! Every donation counts when you’re helping local, community-minded organizations. Obviously, I’d love it if you chose Bona Vista Programs (www.bonavista.org/donate). From the children we serve in preschool to our adults in our full-day programs, there will never be enough resources. We want to be able to impact as many people as possible, but we need your help.
Get a group of friends or family together and figure out what organization shares your values or has had an impact on your life. If you’ve ever known someone who has been served through our programs or maybe you don’t have an organization you’re close with, we would love to help you coordinate a project to benefit Bona Vista Programs. Whether it’s an idea we have on our radar and just need extra hands to complete or something you think of all on your own…call me (765-457-8273)! I’d love to talk through it with you.
It really is better to give than to receive. And, if you don’t believe me, just try it and test the theory!
Until next time…keep a good view on life!
-AB