Embracing The Season of Giving

Photo Credit: Julia M Cameron on Pexels

I love this time of year because it is a time where we see so much more generosity among people. Here in Canada, it is the start of winter, and it can get really cold outside. For those who struggle to have stable housing, it can be a matter of life and death. For others, who have more abundance, it can be a time to practice appreciation and gifting time and resources to help others that don’t have as much. The energy of this December feels so much more alive for me, and has me thinking more and more about what it means to give.

I’ve avoided social media in my life because of the darker side of humanity, showing up with disdain and just plain ugliness. But I’m also beginning to see a shift here as well. I mostly use Instagram because that is how we communicate with our daughter who is going to school in Glasgow, Scotland. It is a great tool for us to do video calls and chats using the internet so we can keep up with what is happening in her life and provide support where she needs. So, when I go onto Instagram, I will always see my feed first and often I will scroll through a few posts because most of them are inspirational. My algorithm feeds me a lot of interesting people and a good portion are positive or inspiring. I still limit my time with it because it can drag you in, but I’m seeing more of a trend where people are posting about causes in the world that mean something to them. They are using their voice for the benefit of society rather than themselves. Others are responding to the “trolls” in more productive ways, without anger and aggression, but rather with humour or simple straight forward facts about their message. I’m seeing that people have stopped fighting and started looking for different ways of communicating their message with respect and understanding. Yes, there are still others doing the fighting but I don’t see them because I’ve chosen to focus on the ones making progress.

At this time of year, there is always an increase in consumerism, with people trying to sell their products and I appreciate there is something to be gained from this. However, my personal energy has focused more on another form of abundance that each of us has to give…..time. Over the last couple of months, I have been wanting to find a way to use my gifts to contribute to making the world a better place. That statement sounds grand and I am not an activist or adventurer at that scale so I’ve been focusing closer to home. I’m looking to my city and community to see where I might use the abundance of time that I have to spend, and find ways to spend it where it might support my community. So, this season, I have started to search for volunteer opportunities. I have selected one local charity so far called “Made by Momma” that supports mothers in need. I have also joined a local “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook that is specific to my neighbourhood, where people can ask for what they need and offer up items or services for free to help each other out. If you need help shoveling your snow or you want to help someone organize their garage, it is a chance to bring neighbours together at a time in society where neighbourhoods seem to be designed for profit rather than community. I'm hoping to be inspired by what others are doing and contribute to a giving economy that reduces the guilt associated with receiving. These groups do not allow the exchange of money for anything, and they do not allow bartering, meaning that there is no pressure to feel like you have to give something to get something. It changes the game and helps people learn how to give unconditionally.

I’m actually really excited to see what the universe brings my way. We never know the opportunities for growth and experience that show up for us, and it encourages us to allow for synchronicity to appear and align so beautifully with our path. There is so much we can offer other than just money. I’m looking at how I can use my time, but there are also things like encouragement, mentorship, prayers and positive thoughts. These are all forms of abundance we can give to others at a time when the world seems to slow down and consider what it means to be compassionate and of service to the world. I aim to continue my efforts far past the season of giving because I believe that is how life should be day to day.

I wish each of you the best of the season, that you receive everything you need, and that everything works out!