by Ronnie Tyler
Sylvia Wafver-Clark, an Atlanta based wedding planner, came up with an excellent idea to help a local children’s shelter. The Atlanta Children’s Shelter provides a safe haven for 40 kids everyday. So Sylvia came up with the idea to have 40 weddings for $40 in 40 hours. And the beauty of this idea is that she not only helped the children, but she also helped 40 couples (who might not have otherwise been able to afford it) have a wedding complete with a reception, cake, dancing…etc. I am hoping that Sylvia’s actions will inspire us all to start giving of our time and/or resources (especially as the holiday season is quickly approaching.)
You are probably thinking that you could not possibly help anyone else when you have so much on your own plate. It’s easy to get caught up in self and in your own world, especially with the responsibilities of our careers, raising our families, etc. Life can be very overwhelming at times. But if you truly want to be happier in life, you will find a way to give some of your time for helping others and giving back to the community. Giving helps you to stay connected to the outside world. It can also help you keep things in the proper perspective when you are feeling overwhelmed with your own life. Studies show that people that give are happier. Giving reduces the levels of stress hormones in your brain and this can also make you happier. Also if you are happier, then your are more productive which means you will be more successful. So with results like that, how can you afford not to give??
This same principle can apply to your marriage as well. I’ve learned that one of the main problems that couples have in a relationship is that they are focusing on self (with the I’ma do me and you do you type of attitudes.) Each person is only concerned with what will make them happy. Instead of focusing on self, couples should concentrate on giving to each other and start putting the needs of their spouse above their own….and the results will be a much happier marriage.
BMWK Family – what’s your 40-40-40 rule. Like Sylvia, how can you use the talents and resources that you have to help others in your community or to help your marriage? Do you have any examples of giving that you can share that might inspire us all to give back?
Staycee2 says
Every year I give to and for the following reasons:
I make sure I donate $100 to the Salvation Army (my family & I stayed in the Salvation Army for Xmas one year when I was a kid).
I fulfill a less fortunate child’s wish (I request a letter from the local newspaper – the rule is the gift can not exceed $25).
My kids are very fortunate and I love Xmas!!!!!!!!!
Ronnie says
Thanks for sharing Staycee2!!
I am also planning to pick a less fortunate kid or family to give to this year. And I want my kids to be involved as well as I want them to experience the joys of giving from a young age.
I love mathematics (yes I am nerd)…so whenever I can ….I tutor kids that are struggling in math. People think they are inconveniencing me by asking me to help their kids in math…but I actually enjoy it and I am happy to help the kids improve their math grades and also help the parents because tutoring can get really expensive
Anna says
Giving reduces the levels of stress hormones in your brain and this can also make you happier.
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I am a giver by habit or nature and I have several charities that I write a check to each year. It does make me feel good to give and as a parent it’s a lesson for my kids. My kids are slickters though, they clean out their closets several times a year and we donate to the Salvation Army, they only do it because they know mommy is going to replace the items(we have a shopping spree). My kids even donate their time working at the Salvation Army and even candy striped at our local hospitals. “Pay It Foward”. I have amazing kids. Yes they are in their 20’s but they will always be my babies. I just pray that the gift I was given “being their mom” continues the extension of love for others that they were taught when they start their own jouney in life raising their own kids with their spouse.
Ronnie says
Anna – sounds like your giving nature has rubbed off on your kids. I hope I am will be a good example for my kids too!!