Our society is currently a little skewed. We’ve become convinced that money is the most important thing. I’m not sure how we got to this idea, but I am sure that we’re wrong. It really is about learning how to be generous with our Time, Talent, and Treasure. See that? Treasure doesn’t have to be first or most important. Let’s take a look at what I consider to be the four T’s to philanthropy.
Temple – If your temple isn’t solid and cared for, then you lessen your ability to serve both yourself and others. I’m a nurse, so I’ve always taken my health, my body’s ability to sustain my soul, very seriously. You’ve heard the saying, to put on your own oxygen mask first? This is the first step. Figure out what your body can do and how it needs to be taken care of. Not everyone can do the same things or has the same physical strengths. God made you, you. Figure out who that is and how to care for yourself, and then do it to the best of your ability. Then your temple will be ready to sustain a full and vibrant life.
Time – Time is truly the only non-renewable resource and everyone gets exactly the same 24 hours. It’s how we choose to use it. Use it to love people. Use it to love yourself. Use it for happiness and use it to help others be happy in whatever way works best for you. Do you love to volunteer at the food kitchen? Do you love to donate some professional hours for pro bono work? It doesn’t always have to be about other people. Do the things you love for you. Do you love to play sports? Or read a good book for hours? Building your own happiness is important so that you always have energy and happiness to share. The only real waste of time is being unhappy and resentful. Do your best to make the most of your time by finding a way to be happy.
Talent – Everyone is good at something. And everything that people can do is valuable somewhere. Figure out what you are good at and then think about how you can use that gift to make the world a better place. Do you love to make blankets that could be donated to a hospital? Do you write? Offer to help a non-profit. Find what you are good at and share your talent for the good of others.
Treasure – Everyone always thinks of money when you say treasure. Sure, that’s part of it, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to share your treasure. Donate things that don’t fit. Donate your old glasses to charities for someone who urgently needs a pair. Contribute a dollar or two at the pet store. What do you have that you can share without hardship to yourself? If we were all content with enough, then there would be enough for everyone.
When do we start? When is now a good time? NOW!
Visit my website at RochelleForrest.com, watch my video and download my checklist full of ideas of how to Improve the World One Light at a Time using the TTTT method of philanthropy!
Read Being A Philanthropist Doesn’t Take A Big Fat Wallet and the other informative articles in this issue of Soar to Success magazine.
