I didn’t grow up in a family that was big on charitable giving – we gave old clothes and such away to family and friends and whatever was left went to the salvation army.. but that was about it.

Somehow, I ended up being a person that might be borderline obsessed with finding ways to give back. Partially because I honestly believe it’s my obligation but also because I think it’s just the good person thing to do.

I’m not here to patronize you about how you should donate toys to homeless children, volunteer at soup kitchens or anything else. Although, if you’re sitting in a warm place somewhere, reading this on your laptop or computer.. you should probably consider what you can do to give back.. even if it’s only dropping $1 occasionally in the bucket of a random homeless person.

I am here to tell you that giving isn’t about how much or how little you do. It’s not about how often you do it. It’s about giving yourself to as many people as possible (presumably those who deserve it) as much as you can. I really do think the world works in some sort of strange karmic way and although we all make mistakes, we can undo those errors simply by being better humans whenever we get the chance.

Giving doesn’t only mean donating items, time or money. It means giving in every sense of the word. Giving your heart, fully and completely to those you love. Providing value, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear to your friends when they need one. And ultimately, giving everything you are as a human being each day to the world.

The world needs you – it needs your heart, your mind, your soul – every day. It needs you to give yourself to make it a better and more beautiful place.

The world needs you.