Mothers are constantly giving; we give our time, our energy, our love, our milk…the list is endless. It’s what we do. We don’t have a choice, really. Just when you thought you didn’t have any more left in you to give, I’m going to have the nerve to tell you to give some more. This time I’m talking about donating your efforts to those who don’t expect you to -- giving when it’s not required of you.
Why would you do that? Well, have you heard of Karma? Good things happen to good people and all that.
The problem is finding the time to give back when you barely get a moment to yourself. I’m willing to bet that a lack of time is the number one reason why mothers don’t give back to the community as much as they’d like to. I don’t know about you, but between work, baby, and running a home, simply finding the time to eat is a challenge for me. I get it. It’s a mother's reality and I’m not about to convince you to spread yourself thinner. There is a better way: Integrate giving back into your lifestyle.
Don’t think of donating time or money as a project nor something to be done only during the holidays, which happens to be the busiest time of the year for most mothers. Instead, inject an aspect of giving into your current routine.
Here’s how to give back with four things you already do:
1. Buy products that give back. Why not commit to purchasing products that make a difference? Give a gift that gives back to the community. You’ll feel great about your purchase and you’ll be supporting socially responsible companies.
2. Make money with meaning.
Give back through your own business - Using my business to give back to the community has given me satisfaction that money alone could never provide. On top of that, knowing that the extent of my impact on the community depends on the success of my business, I stay motivated to perform at my best
Be an all-star employee - If you don’t run your own business, present your employer with the idea of the company giving back to the community, and offer to lead the initiative. They won’t say no. In fact, they’ll love you for it. You’ll look good; they’ll look good; all while doing good.
3. Strengthen relationships with volunteering. Have a regular date night, girls night, or family fun day volunteering at a non-profit organization that everyone feels passionate about. Or, go by yourself and discover new relationships.
4. Spice up your workout routine. Work out and raise money at the same time. There are walk-a-thons, triathalons, marathons year round that raise money for a cause. Plus, I bet you’ll train much harder when you know that people are paying to support you. You’ll be kinder, better, faster, stronger.
You don’t have to give up your time and energy, a mother’s rarest resources, to be a good samaritan. Giving back to society doesn’t need to be a sacrifice.
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