Kindness & Generosity Don’t Cost a Thing

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During the final days of 2024, a good friend and I were chatting about our concerns regarding the upcoming year and its many unknowns. She very wisely stated, “There is nothing we can do except take care of ourselves, and always be kind and generous to those who need it.” I wholeheartedly agreed.

Generosity means different things to different people. Some view generosity as freely sharing their time and talents to make life better for others. Then, there are those who think generosity means giving money to the less fortunate. Both are not wrong, but it depends on a person’s means and what they have to offer.

People are fascinated with multi-millionaires and billionaires, which is one reason many spend more than what they have to spare on a chance to win one of the huge lottery jackpots. The odds of winning are astronomical, but it is often said, “You gotta play to win.” The thing is, someone always wins.

I’ll admit that when the two big games’ jackpots start approaching a billion dollars, I spend $6 on three tickets. I’m not sure exactly what I would do if I actually won. I like to dream big. Most people say they might quit their job, buy a new house, pay off all bills and secure their kids’ futures, give to charity and do more traveling.

I would probably do most of those things, too, but have another idea. From 2008 to 2013, there was a show on TV called “Secret Millionaire.” I loved that show! It was about millionaires, usually a married couple, who would move to a disadvantaged community. They acquired low-income housing and secured menial, minimum wage jobs. They made friends easily and volunteered at several local events. In doing this, they learned what the most pressing needs were in that community.

At the end, the couple revealed their identities during a public gathering at which they doled out several sums of money for specific needs. They weren’t massive sums, but very generous. For example, $100,000 went to the local fire department for a much-needed new fire truck. Or $20,000 to the local high school to purchase band instruments and uniforms. And $50,000 was given to the owners of a local diner who had fallen on hard times, to help them keep the business afloat. Other examples included paying for a child’s braces, and more. Those are just a few examples. Everyone cried!

If I were younger, I would love to have the means to do this – travel, make new friends and share the wealth with those who deserve and need it the most. What could be more rewarding? But since I’m not a multi-millionnaire and probably never will be, I’ll just stick with being as kind as possible and sharing the gifts I do have with others.

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