These past few weeks I have shared about; Caring is Sharing – Social Media, Caring is Sharing – Good Causes and Caring Is Sharing – Your Story. There have been some great comments to the posts and we appreciate all who read, comment and share. Thank you! To wrap up the series I want to talk about giving a part of ourselves.

While the earlier posts may be good suggestions, I also realize that sometimes the ‘idea’ of one more thing to do or not do and feel like you wish you would have, can be overwhelming. Sometimes there are seasons in our lives when we have the time, energy or resources to care by sharing in various ways, and there are seasons when we don’t. It’s perfectly okay, in my opinion, because life happens and we all have our priorities that sometimes cannot allow for all the things we would like to do or should do.

I love to be supportive and giving. A lot. As much as possible and as often as possible. It is, for me, a part of who I am at my core. Not everyone is as giving as others and that is okay too. But for myself, I had to learn a hard lesson when I was at times unable to give. I felt like I did not have the energy, the time or the resources when life was really challenging. I felt useless and like I wasn’t making a positive impact on others. For some this may not matter as much as others. For me, it is part of my life purpose, which I hope to live out daily.

Feeling useless, like I wasn’t fulfilling my part of the agreement in having been blessed to continue to live beyond a stage IV cancer diagnosis was not a good feeling for me. Not feeling good spiritually, emotionally or physically is not a good thing for anyone, especially those facing illness/disease. I found it necessary to allow, embrace and learn from my feeling of helplessness.

I first looked back to earlier times in my life when I felt helpless and useless;

• I had to sort out what was out of my control in these situations (life or others choices) and what was of my own doing (my choices, my reactions, my behaviors).
• I had to learn the difference and then forgive myself, others and life happening.
• I accepted that I could give myself a break, that I did not have to ‘always’ be in giving and caring mode, especially when sometimes I was the one needing to be cared for!

The second lesson in my learning was just as valuable;

• I discovered that being giving and caring could and should be a way of life.
• Giving should not be something I do with expectations of any reward or acknowledgement from others.
• I could give and care for others, daily, by learning what I had to offer and purposefully setting out to share it. (realizing it did not always have to be anything more than just being ‘me’)

Here is what I began to put into practice, daily;

• If I do not have energy for something or someone, I can think good thoughts towards them or pray for them etc.
• If I do not have money to give, I can give something free and easily accessible; a hug, a smile or a kind word
• I can give someone a part of me by being loving, kind and patient
• I can encourage and support others by recognizing their good work/deeds
• I can express gratitude towards others, especially for the little things they do

You will be amazed at how much good comes of giving of yourself… I always am! We would love for you to share how you give of yourself!

Listen to Angela’s latest interview at Your Story Matters
about Jodi’s Law and Stalking Awareness.

Your Story Matters. You Matter.

Photo Credit © timparkinson