a tickle of words to create smiles

Posts tagged ‘heart and soul’

What Do Others Think Of You?

What others think of you is none of your business. The only thing that is important is what you think of yourself.
~ Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

What makes us wonder what others think of us? Is it our need to be loved? Is it the fear of being alone? The ironic thing about it, we attract loved ones into our lives when we can let go of the concern of how others think of us. We can relax and be ourselves. People enjoy being around other people who are confident and not concerned about what others think of them, which ultimately invites gossip….”did you know he said this about you; and, she thinks this about you?”

Oh, sure, who doesn’t enjoy getting praise and compliments, but, does it really matter what others think of you? As long as you are true to your character, your talents, your passions, then the opinions of others does NOT matter. Simply be genuine, authentic and honest with yourself. Be the best you know how to be. Do what you love and delight in your being. The only important thing is how you think about yourself, your level of confidence and your self-esteem. Furthermore, after all is said and done, you are the one who has to live with yourself. It is your life. Enjoy it.

Treasure Love

Treasure the love you receive above all. It will survive long after your gold and good health have vanished. –Og Mandino

Everything we appreciate, especially love, appreciates (increases in value). Love expands our hearts and our existence as we value and treasure it. Think about all those you love and who love you. Reflect on their love and their love for you. How does that make you feel? Do you feel your heart and soul expanding? Wow, that feels WONDERFUL! Doesn’t it?

Gifts of Love Update 2

What a beautiful day! I was able to interact with quite a few people today as I went to the library to renew my books and I went to Good Friday church service. Good Friday service always touches my heart and soul in such a significant way. It is a profound reminder of how our Saviour Jesus Christ sacrificed his earthbound life to pay for the sins of humanity because God’s love for us is so immense and wonderful. Below are more pictures of my progress with my Gifts of Love campaign. I feel I will be able to start distributing these Gifts next week. 

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Charity

Charity, in practice, is generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless. It is benevolent giving and caring. I believe that charity is the contribution of ourselves and/or our resources to others in need; but, how do we do it when we have no more resources to give; what do can we do?

Perhaps, it is really a mind shift we need to make. Sometimes, the focus is on what monies people can give, which is probably the easiest thing to do because then people do not have to think about or reflect on the helplessness of others. People can pacify their guilt by contributing money to a worthy cause and feel relief that they did their part. How does that truly lift people in need? It certainly may take care of the immediate needs like food, water and medical attention to the destitute; but, what about the long-term? How does money alone really help them?

Charity, in virtue, is giving unlimited love and kindness. Charity, ideally, is giving of your whole self, your heart and your time. It is making others feel valued and empowered. It is a helping hand that lifts the soul and spirit of those who feel helpless. It is lifting the spirits of the sick and the poor. It is giving them hope and compassion. It is spending time with the homeless and the sick. It is sitting with people and listening. It is being completely present for them.

Charity also needs to begin with one’s self. You need to help yourself first and nurture your own heart before you can help others. An empty vessel cannot fill another’s cup. Once your own heart and soul is filled, then you can truly give of yourself to others. How does one fill his or her own’s heart and soul? That is a question people need to ask themselves. Start with what brings you bliss, peace and/or joy. It may be writing poetry, walking outdoors in nature, quietly meditating and praying, painting and creating crafts, interacting with other people or pets, or any activity that brings you bliss.

Perhaps some of the things that bring you joy is something you can share with others in charitable work, like sharing your poetry with a community of elderly or children or doing crafts with terminally ill patients in a hospice. Consider who you are and how you feel when you are at your best. Maybe you are a fabulous grant-writer or fundraiser, marketing specialist or web designer. These are wonderful gifts to share with a charitable organization.  Ultimately, charity is of the heart, not necessarily the wallet. What can you give to others?

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