Giving

Along side my theme of simplifying and organizing is Giving. There is something about the act of giving that humbles us and makes us re-evaluate that which we already have, that is if you do it with the right intention. I suppose Jonah does not really experience what I am talking about when he has to give Elias's train back.

It also has a snowball effect, from my experience, because it just feels so good to give. It is so easy to get stuck on yourself. Each person's personal situation seems of upmost importance to them, but to everyone else it is not. This is where a lot of people's frustrations come from, feeling like someone else (or maybe everyone else) does not appreciate, understand or acknowledge the challenges that are present in their life. And you know what, it is true. Nobody else understands exactly what you are going through, but it doesn't really matter. It's all just ego and self-centeredness. When we are able to turn away from ourselves and focus on the underlying connection in us all (not the inherently human competition) then we can find a new kind of happiness.

I have fallen into the pattern of "me" focus, as promoted by our society at large (this is not an excuse just an observation). I can fill my day with concern only for my direct situation and easily forget that, as Plato said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Recently, we have had some amazing experiences of people giving to us as a family. We are forever gratefully and feel so lucky. As I sat and contemplated what I could do to repay these people it occured to me that I wanted to BE these people. I do not mean that in a jealous way, but that they are good idols. I have such respect and love for them I thought I should include in my mission to simplify (in a way, get back to basics) Giving.

All this being said, the reason (now this is an excuse) I have fallen into a pattern of "me", is that I have such little time and such little extra money (all because of too much STUFF - see how this fits into my simplify theme) that I barely have anything left over to give. I witness people with much less than I giving everyday. I needed to think outside the box. What did I come up with?

My hair. Yes, it is a small step, but at the same time it is a huge step. It is the first step in the right direction, which is usually the hardest to take. I love my hair (I know, a little ridiculous, but I've idolized The Little Mermaid for years) and I have always wanted to have long hair. But really, do I "need" this hair? I have more than enough and as I researched online about cancer victims and the blow to their self-esteem (on top of everything else) that loosing their hair does, it seemed silly for me to keep mine. Not to mention, I needed a hair cut anyways AND it would not cost me anymore to cut a lot of it off and give it away besides a little bit of shipping. So that is what I did. I just went out without saying a word to anyone, except my neighbor who sat with my children as I did this (talk about someone who gives unconditionally - she is wonder woman). Here is a pic, just so you believe me.



Not too bad, huh?

Peace,
Mama Soup