You’ve probably noticed that there’s no shortage of kind and generous acts during the holiday season, but there are also things we can do all year long to keep the generosity alive. Here are seven ways to be more generous this year!
Start Small
If you aren’t sure where to start, donate a small amount of time or money to a charity or organization that means a lot to you. This small act encourages you to gently step out of your comfort zone. And the next time you donate time or money, you’ll be more comfortable doing so.
Rules of Engagement
Keep yourself inspired by watching uplifting documentaries, reading memoirs or blogs about people who have overcome struggles, or following various organizations on social media that support causes near and dear to you. Doing so kick-starts your empathy and reminds you to help in some way.
Before Anything, Give
Somewhere between getting paid and spending your hard-earned money, give back. Take a few moments after paying bills to give money to a charity that means a lot to you – or take some cash out with you to see where you could do some good deeds.
Review Their Work
Many local businesses rely heavily on online reviews, so if there are shops or restaurants you love, take a minute to leave a few kind words. This costs absolutely nothing to you and helps local businesses tremendously.
Strength in Numbers
If you know someone who is genuinely generous, get the scoop on how they got started and ask if you can tag along with them during their next philanthropic endeavor.
Mad Skills
Are you really good at something, like a craft or a foreign language? Share these skills with people who can use them. Consider offering a free community class, one-on-one help, or tutoring.
ABC: Always Be Complimenting
One of the easiest ways to become more generous is to compliment people. Dishing out genuine compliments to friends, co-workers, and strangers pushes them to do the same thing but spreads joy all over. After all, kindness is contagious!