Caring and Sharing.

If you’ve got something you care about – share it!

I’m a great believer in rallying people to help others. I always have been – even long before it became so easy using the power of social media.

I recall doing ‘crowd funding’ for a woman I knew who, along with her two young children, was being evicted from her home. Her husband was long gone and she had lost her job.  It was in the 80’s, long before the Internet was available and I wrote a letter to about 50 people I knew and raised enough money to pay the woman’s rent and utilities for two months. She was able to secure employment in that time and kept her home.

I distinctly remember feeling uncomfortable as I sealed each letter and sent it off, asking for help. I hoped people didn’t feel pressured or obligated and that they didn’t disapprove of me and my request.  I was elated when the response was so positive and I was able to tell the woman what good fortune had come her way.  I didn’t do it for myself, I did it for her and her children but the joy it brought me too was a great bonus.

Amongst many other things I’ve done throughout the years, this process taught me more about taking risks. Putting yourself out there, on display, asking for help – for yourself or others, can be fraught with all manner of imagined pitfalls. As humans with egos, we want to be liked and approved of and asking others for help may not bring the results we were wanting. What if people ignore you? What if they respond unkindly? What if they just say no, this isn’t something I support? Yikes – rejection!! Now you feel bad! “That’s the last time I’ll do that” you say to yourself.

But the flip side is, when support comes and people respond with care and kindness, you feel great! It lifts your spirits, brings joy, strengthens your belief in the goodness possible in humans and motivates you to do more.

So next time you want to share that petition for a cause you’re passionate about or, ask your community for help for a project you believe in – jump in and just do it! Who cares what people think of you and your request. The important thing is to share what you’re passionate about and help others along the way.  Even if some ignore your request, your message will help educate others and that can be far reaching, long into the future.

And to those friends who support me and what I stand for and care about – you touch my very soul and bring great love to my life and I thank you deeply and sincerely.

May you always DARE, CARE and SHARE and reap the rewards of being supported and appreciated as Every Day Gets Better.