There are many good people in this world, but the tone of our society has seemingly moved in a more selfish direction. More people are generally out to satisfy themselves at the expense of the community around them.
We need more people building better families, neighborhoods, and towns—not simply critiquing what they see as wrong with society—and I have some suggestions to help with that.
My small contribution in this area is to live more generously in a myriad of ways and to encourage others toward this same way of life. I think you’ll find, as I have, that it’s a more satisfying way to live. We are social beings designed to connect with others, and one of the best ways is to give of ourselves.
Live Generously
Living generously doesn’t just mean giving away your money or volunteering your time, although those are great examples. It’s a posture you take toward life that involves opening yourself up to others, worrying less about yourself, and loosening your grip on what you rightfully claim is yours. Below are eight ways to share with your community.1. Share Your Time
In wealthy countries such as the United States, one of the most precious gifts you can give is your time. That’s because you can usually make more money, but the amount of time we have is fixed, although ultimately unknown to us. There are many ways to give your time—volunteer at a school or a local event, or be present with a neighbor in need.2. Give Compliments Freely
Even the smallest kind word can brighten someone’s day if it’s given sincerely. Most people are too embarrassed or too wrapped up in themselves to offer a compliment to someone else, but this is one of the easiest ways to live generously. A simple and genuine compliment costs you so little but can have a big positive effect on the recipient. It might not feel natural at first, but like anything, you’ll find it gets easier and easier with practice.3. Offer Your Skills and Talents
You might think of yourself as just average at most things, but even if that’s the case, it’s practically guaranteed that you have some valuable skill that you can teach someone else. Or, if you’re an able-bodied, healthy person, there are likely older or sick people in your life who could use a hand with physical labor. If you’re willing to look, opportunities exist everywhere for those willing to live generously.4. Forgive Quickly and Fully
Quickly letting go of grudges and slights is a powerful act of generosity. We may feel that we’re only giving people back what they deserve when we hold a grudge or turn a cold shoulder, but that attitude only sustains broken relationships. If you’ve been blessed with people who love you for who you are, faults and all, then one way to pay that forward is to refuse to hold onto negative feelings.5. Practice Hospitality
Inviting someone into your home and treating that person to a warm meal and good conversation is one of the most generous things that a person can do for another. The idea of cooking for someone and eating a meal together encourages a level of intimacy that few other practices in our modern world allow for. When you practice hospitality, you are naturally giving someone all of your attention. Set aside cellphones, work, and distractions to be completely present with your guests.6. Assume the Very Best
One act of generosity that many people often overlook is making generous assumptions about the actions and words of others. If, for example, a spouse or close friend says something that seems out of character—maybe a little less patient or more critical than usual—then you could choose, in all fairness, to be offended. But a more generous path is to assume that person is just having a bad day and try to lift him or her up. This generosity of spirit will strengthen your relationship and establish a pattern of love and grace.7. Donate to Worthy Causes
Financial giving is a classic example of generosity. In a culture that values money and offers many ways to spend those resources to make life easier or more exciting, we’re often not quick to give away our hard-earned dough. I would encourage you to give to causes you are connected with personally or that are near and dear to your heart.8. Be an Attentive Listener
We’ve already touched on giving your time, which is certainly connected to being a good listener. But the act of listening well involves giving the most precious resource of all: your attention. We can show up somewhere and still be distracted or occupied with other thoughts, and in some situations, this may be acceptable. Truly listening to someone requires you to focus and really care about what someone is saying. It’s a form of intellectual work that doesn’t come easy for all of us, but that costliness is what makes it such a gift to receive.Story continues below advertisement
Because we don’t know how much time we have on this earth, let’s not wait to give of ourselves to others and our communities. Set an example for generations to come.
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