Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1102144
24 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k m a y / j u n e 2 0 1 9 MINDFUL MONEY best practices What inspires you to give? After graduating from college, I spent a year as a volunteer science teacher on the Navajo Nation. I felt grateful that my parents paid for most of my college education, and I was able to defer my loans. Since I admired Native American ways of being, I found a program where I could offer my new teaching skills. I gained so much that year: wonderful memories of the land, the culture, the traditions, the students, and all the new friends I made. It felt peaceful on the Navajo Nation. I learned lessons about what I value and what I need to be happy. It was such a gift to have time and space for quiet reflection. As I grew older, though, I found it more difficult to donate my time in this manner. The resources we have at our disposal, it turns out, shift constantly. When we are younger, maybe we have more time and energy. When we are older, maybe we have more money. It is wise to be mindful about setting priorities that align with our values for spending, saving, and giving. The resources we can give (money, time, energy) vary depending on what else is happening in our lives. Let's look at three different examples. FIONA This January, our 9-year-old, Fiona, shared her goal to help feed the homeless. Fiona feels grateful for our comfortable middle-class lifestyle. She feels sad for people who do not have a safe home, a comfortable place to sleep, or food in their hungry belly. Fiona has the motivation and passion to help. She skillfully used her energy and vision to make powerful requests for help, whether financial or logistical. We are delighted to help her achieve her inspired goal. KELLY Kelly, a mid-career executive, gives in a different way. She's extremely busy with work and family and is financially successful. Kelly, whose sister was a victim of domestic violence, feels everyone should have a safe place. So, she donates money to a shelter with innovative programming. She's inspired to help because the shelter does things she cannot and, to do so, they need financial support from people like Kelly. Kelly's company is supportive of leaders who take positions with nonprofit organizations, so she is considering joining the board of this organization. ALEX Alex is a retired attorney. While he has a comfortable lifestyle, he does not have significant wealth. However, he does have time, energy, and the motivation to be of service. As the son of a hardworking immigrant, Alex enjoys the opportunity to use his skills for a nonprofit organization that supports the legal rights of immigrants. He serves as a part-time pro bono attorney. Inspired Giving By Amy Andrews McMaster