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You are here: Home / Philanthropy / Philanthropy Friday: Resolve to Give Every Single Day

Philanthropy Friday: Resolve to Give Every Single Day

January 4, 2013 By anotherjennifer 10 Comments

 

giveeveryday

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer.

This post was originally written as a guest post for SkinnyScoop last June. I dug it up because I thought it was a nice reminder that we can resolve to give every single day in 2013.

I’m kind of obsessed with philanthropy. It’s been a topic that I’ve explored on this blog quite a bit.

I’m intrigued by the whole concept of philanthropy. What it means. How we define it. How we can incorporate it into our everyday lives.

I guess the obsession goes back to my work in the nonprofit world. I’ve worked in fundraising departments and run marketing communications efforts for behavioral health agencies since 2004. I still do on a consulting basis. In the process, I’ve seen first hand the power of philanthropy.

Let me be clear here. I’m not necessarily talking about donating money. Giving money is good, of course, but there’s more to this philanthropy thing. You know that feeling you get when you help someone?

Have you ever had someone tell you that something you did, though very small to you, actually made a huge positive impact on her life?

Whether it’s planned or not, it feels good to give. In fact, some studies have shown that it’s actually good for our health because it contributes to our overall well-being.

According to Martin Seligman, a positive psychologist, there are three paths to happiness – the pleasant life, the good life and the meaningful life. It turns out that the “meaningful life,” which involves using our strengths to serve something larger than us, brings us the most happiness. And studies have shown that doing good for others actually makes us feel happiest of all.

The problem is that we sometimes forget to give. We get caught up in our busy lives and stop paying attention to those around us. Been there. Done that.

Imagine the impact we could make if we all did just one simple good deed every day. Nothing big. Just a simple good deed that might inspire others to pay it forward with another good deed.

See where I’m going here?

If you need some inspiration, I started a list of some simple ways to incorporate philanthropy into your life. Microphilanthropy, if you will. I hope you will add to it, so we can reference it year round.

December shouldn’t be the only season for giving.

(View the list on SkinnyScoop)

View this SkinnyScoop List
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Filed Under: Philanthropy, Philanthropy Friday Tagged With: microphilanthropy, Philanthropy Friday, simple giving

Meet Jennifer

jennifer iacovelli barbour dugout canoe nicaragua

Jennifer Iacovelli is a blogger, copywriter, author, consultant, speaker, do-gooder, single mother, lefty, pie-hater, bacon-lover, Syracuse alum, Maine dweller and lover of life.  Read More…

Comments

  1. Chris Carter says

    January 4, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    I am constantly trying to do things like this every day…multiple times a day, if the opportunities arise. It’s so easy and brings others joy and even greater joy to me. Nothing can put you in a good mood more than helping another person out or blessing another person in some way. Oooooooh!!! It feels SOOOOO good!!! 🙂
    Chris Carter recently posted..New Year Resolution 2013My Profile

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 6, 2013 at 5:43 pm

      Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me Chris. 🙂

      It does feel good to give. Plus, it encourages other to do so!

      Reply
  2. ilene says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:06 am

    LOVE this post. And I love the idea that “giving” does not just have to be about money. There are many ways to give of ourselves. Fostering dogs has been part of our “giving pledge” as you know – before I even had a giving pledge! It has been a wonderful way for the kids to share in helping animals. You are a great inspiration for me to continue to find ways to incorporate giving in our lives!
    ilene recently posted..BallsMy Profile

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 7, 2013 at 10:47 am

      I’m so happy to hear that, Ilene. And, yes, fostering dogs is a wonderful way to give!
      anotherjennifer recently posted..One Huge Goal for 2013My Profile

      Reply
  3. Jenn says

    January 7, 2013 at 8:42 pm

    Love this sentiment, and I couldn’t agree more. I think if we all gave of ourselves a little more – especially with our time, the world would be a better place:) Thanks, Jen!!!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      January 8, 2013 at 8:59 am

      You’re welcome, Jenn. I agree!
      anotherjennifer recently posted..Thank YOUMy Profile

      Reply
  4. Lisa @ The GoldenSpoons says

    December 18, 2013 at 10:07 am

    Such great ideas and so true – one simple thing each and every day!! Thanks for linking up!
    Lisa @ The GoldenSpoons recently posted..Just ONE Thing LinkupMy Profile

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      December 18, 2013 at 10:11 am

      My pleasure, Lisa. Once you start doing these little things, it becomes a habit. We do this stuff year round!
      anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Winter WonderlandMy Profile

      Reply
  5. Ginny Marie says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:42 am

    If everyone did one simple thing every day, think about what a wonderful world this would be! 🙂
    Ginny Marie recently posted..Just ONE thing this holiday seasonMy Profile

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      December 19, 2013 at 3:05 pm

      Just imagine…. 🙂
      anotherjennifer recently posted..Learning From Sandy Hook One Year LaterMy Profile

      Reply

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Jennifer Iacovelli is a blogger, copywriter, author, consultant, speaker, do-gooder, single mother, lefty, pie-hater, bacon-lover, Syracuse alum, Maine dweller and lover of life.  Read More…

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