BizBuzz -

In a previous post, I talked about volunteering. It was heartening that many others feel the same way, giving time and skills to issues or organizations that move them. I purposely timed that post to coincide with no particular holiday, but I decided on the eve of Thanksgiving, it would be  appropriate to write this little reminder of sorts.

This is that time of year when we pause and give thanks. So what am I thankful for? It’s cliche′, but everything: the opportunity to work as I do at what I love, to enjoy my family and friends and live a life I’m proud of, to take in as much hockey as my legs allow, and spend my spare time engrossed in hobbies that feed my soul. I’m also very thankful that I can then turn around and help others, not just nonprofits, but businesses and individuals, for if things were not okay with other areas in my life, this would be difficult.

To attach a season to the needs of others, whether they be a person, a company or a charity seems self-serving, a little “look at me, I’m helping, are you watching?” It’s time we stopped allowing the calendar to dictate when we dig in and start helping others around us.You can share a piece of yourself to help another get closer to their goal, their happiness any time, anywhere. And it will feel good.

There are people all around us in need every single day of the year, no just for our money, but for our time, our compassion, our hand. If you can help them, they can help the next person. It’s really that simple.

Here’s their shopping list:

• Support and encouragement
• Kind words and a smile
• Wisdom and honesty
• Expertise and knowledge
• Referral to a good book or post
• Connections to others that can help
• Exposure of their cause or effort to people you know
• Understanding

Your help could be letting someone know about a great new tool on the web, or taking an elderly person’s shopping cart to the corral for them. It could be holding the door open for someone, or sharing a pertinent article with someone who’s venturing into a new business. They may seem like small gestures, but for the person receiving them, you may have just made their week.

Happy Thanksgiving and my best to you and yours. (Photo credit: Aoife city womanchile)