by Cricket Wingfield, MD
"The meaning of life is to
find your gift.
The purpose of life is to give it away."
November is Legacy month at the Living Vision Board, and while most of us won’t have our name on a museum wing, or hospital ward, we can leave a legacy of caring and generosity. Whether we have assets to be a major philanthropist or just enough to get by, it is the spirit of giving that spreads joy and feeds the soul.
“We make a living by what we get. We by what we give.”
Generosity is an antidote to fear. It creates connection and community. It makes friends out of strangers. It’s easy to get caught in the mode of having more and protecting ourselves, and lose sight of what actually makes us feel content and full of joy — giving, sharing, and connecting. No matter what our resources or bank account balance, we can offer kindness, a hand, a meal, a word of encouragement. There is someone less fortunate and can benefit from kindness.
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
Each one of us contributes to the culture of our community. We are always having an impact, and the summation of that impact becomes our legacy. As we enter the holiday season in the west, consider not only what you want, but what legacy you want to leave behind. For the future, for the planet, for everyone you meet.
"No one has ever become poor by giving.”