Giving Back To The Community

So many of us are very used to take and take some more, but were never bothered with the notion of truly giving back without expecting anything in return. Even in nature, we find that all things give back: trees give back oxygen, oceans give back the rain, cattle give back fertilizers, dogs give back affection and protection, and so on and so forth.

In reality, a strict taker is nothing but a freeloader in this world, no matter how smart and hardworking he/she is. All opportunities; business, political, social, educational, or otherwise were given to the taker by a someone in a community at one point or another. If the world had takers only, we would live in an apocalypse of apathy, despair and utter violence.

However, to give back is not easy for anyone. Giving back to the community takes honesty, maturity and wisdom. Honesty because we have to be able to tell ourselves that we wouldn't be where we are today were it not for the opportunities given to us by the community. Maturity because only someone who has truly grown up is able to see that giving back is far more important than just taking. And wisdom because if we give back to the community, the latter will eventually present you with more opportunities for you and your family by default.

There are many ways to give back to your community: charity work at a nursing home or a children's hospital. Visit the sick and bring them a word of encouragement, a magazine, or a toy and give them the opportunity to feel hopeful.

You might want to take care of an elderly person or elderly couple. Help them buy their food, pay their bills. They might require you to buy Cialis, aspirins, or other basic medications for them. You might want to fix things around their house and ultimately give them the opportunity to feel that someone really cares for them.

Become a big brother for a group of orphans. Introduce yourself and your family to the orphanage staff and ask to be allowed to become a big brother for a group of orphans. Treat them to a nice meal, help them recuperate their childish laughter, brighten up their holidays, but above all, give them the opportunity to feel secure and loved.

Perhaps, you are the type of giver that feels more comfortable about giving during times of crisis. Well, there are plenty of crisis out there: earthquakes, forest fires, tornadoes, floods, etc. all you have to do is turn off the News channel, hop on your car, and head that way with some supplies.

The giver is also wiser in that the sense of utter satisfaction that he/she derives after giving back, a strict taker will never even come close to experiencing in an entire lifetime.