Align Your Actions With Your Values

Make generosity a part of every day.  Use the following inspirations to better align your actions with your values, get more spiritually grounded and deepen your relationships with the people around you.

Think Outside Yourself - Many of us would give more than we do if we didn't feel so boxed in to certain roles.  These self-images (mother, teacher, business executive) can limit our view of what we can contribute. True service isn't about what we have to offer by who we are; it's about being available, willing  and open to whatever the need may be.

Be Happy For Someone Else - Share joy or true happiness for someone else's good fortune.  Celebrate in a friend's news and you may find that good fortune and energy rubbing off on you.

Give What You Need - At first this doesn't make sense.  If you need something, how can you possible have it to give away?  Therein lies the whole point--the magic behind giving.  Rather than viewing yourself in need of things from others, see yourself as the giver of those things and you may be surprised as to what happens.  Think about what you'd like more of in your life.  More friends?  Make it a point to be there for someone in need.  More laughter?  Share a joke or funny story--and you'll be laughing too.

Use the News - when listening to the doom-and-gloom of the nightly news do you wonder, "What can I do -- and what difference would it make anyway?".  But our response is a choice that's under our control.  Start seeing the news differently.  Watch with a different perspective, using the information as a guide to where help is most needed and then act on it.

Reach Beyond Your Circle - Chances are, you give most to the people closes to you.  While this might be where giving starts, it shouldn't end there.  We need to strike a balance between giving to those we know and those we don't.  By widening your scope, you send a message that the rest of the world matters.

Pass the Torch - Showing generosity toward others goes beyond just being nice; it means empowering them with a sense of value.  When you teach someone a new skill or technique, praise his/her contributions.  Who in your world could benefit from your attention and time?

Give All Day, Everywhere - Try making a special effort to give attention and kindness to all the people you interact with, whether you know them or not.  Notice how it changes your experience, your mood, and the way people respond to you.   

TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.