Tonight was one of those nights when the article ideas weren’t flowing and developing an original thought or topic for an editorial was like pulling teeth. However, I took advantage of one of my old article idea generating techniques, which I actually wrote about awhile ago, and took a look at the top stories of the day and of course the horrifying earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan topped the headlines.
Of course all the major charitable organizations such as the Red Cross and the World Food Programme are requesting donations to help ease the pain of those people suffering through this unimaginable situation, so I thought it might be a good idea to write about why, after we become successful with whatever endeavor we undertake, we should give back to those who are less fortunate and who are going through unbelievable hardship.
1. Those of us who are lucky enough to live and work in either Canada or the United States and any of the other economically advantaged countries of the world should count our blessings on a daily basis for being granted this opportunity and by virtue of this privilege bestowed upon us by birthright it should be a given that we always take people in need into consideration when we plan our monthly and yearly budget.
2. It has always been my philosophy that no matter what your definition of success may be, anyone who has achieved the financial goals they’ve set for themselves should give something back to those who really need it. This rationalization is loosely based on the concept of karma which, simply stated, says: “What comes around goes around”. And if we give with the best of intentions we will be rewarded in some way in the end.
3. The old adage which states: “Charity begins at home” doesn’t apply any longer because we are now, more than ever, a global community which makes us all neighbors even though we may be separated by thousands of miles. Today’s technology makes us so much more aware of what’s happening on a daily basis in countries across the globe, as it happens, that we feel as if it’s our duty to help in times of disaster; which it is and which it should be.
The medium I’m using to convey my feelings is a prime example of how we can communicate instantaneously with loved ones and strangers across the globe and which serves to bring us all closer as human beings not differentiated by race, creed or color.
4. The feeling I get when I try to help someone, not only by donating money, but by making the slightest effort, in some small way, to make their day a little easier or a little less stressful and more enjoyable is a reward in and of itself. For me this awareness and appreciation is addictive and the more you give the more you want to give because you don’t want this feeling to go away. So in a way it’s a selfish desire to want to give back some of your good fortune.
5. Finally, I believe the main reason why we should give back is because it’s the right thing to do. We should help in any way we can no matter what our situation in life. If we can’t help monetarily we may be able to donate some clothes we no longer need or some canned goods we can do without or perhaps we can just keep those affected in our thoughts and prayers.
In my opinion giving back is all it’s cracked up to be and we should make it a habit not only in times of disaster but on a regular basis.
In the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan, the World Food Programme has been standing by to provide emergency assistance.
Today they were called upon to help deliver water, tents, and blankets to tens of thousands of families in desperate need.
Will you make an emergency donation to their relief efforts in Japan?