​Living is giving, and people love to give because it feels good. Giving is an act of selflessness and a dedication to contributing to the joy of others. In a nutshell— giving lifts spirits and makes people happy!

For many, giving has become not only a mission, but a family holiday tradition. Giving is a way to reconnect with our inner selves. By helping others, our perspective shifts and fills us with an abundant source of gratitude. Giving back is a wonderful practice that delivers joy to the giver—and benefit to the receiver. Giving back is a commitment I wish for my family to adopt and continue to pass down for generations to come.

Through the transformative gift of giving, we also learn how to receive. It is important to let others do things for you. Sometimes receiving can be awkward or uncomfortable. Some people have a much easier time giving than receiving. A dear friend taught me how to receive. When I would deflect a compliment, he would say “Excuse me, but in my country we say ‘thank you’ when complimented.” So, maybe it's as good a time as any to open up to receive.

Many people use organizations like The Giving Pledge (www.givingpledge.org) or The Giving Circle (givingcirclesfund.org)—a form of participatory philanthropy where groups of individuals donate their own money or time to a pooled fund and decide together where to donate to community projects. Giving circles can be small and informal, with a few people pooling their money and giving it to a chosen local charity or family in need; making charitable giving more rewarding and fun.

Being generous and kind encourages us to perceive others in a more positive light and fosters a sense of community, a feeling of interconnectedness.

So, no matter if you have a lot or not very much; there is always someone who is more in need than you. Always try to give, even if it is just a little, especially this holiday season.
Share the love—start giving!

Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]

Is there a difference between giving thanks and gratitude? Well, I believe there actually is. There is real power in a thankful heart. You really can’t be thankful without feeling grateful. Genuine gratitude changes you and how you look at life — it changes your attitude.

Every day we are exposed to a barrage of negativity. We deal with resentments, ingratitude, entitlement, health issues, loss, etc. Gratitude is an awesome tool, an ally to battle these internal/external threats that rob us of our joy. People who choose to be haters rob themselves of a most powerful experience of heartfelt praise and appreciation in their life. Amazing, how gratitude eliminates the negativity.

Giving value to others fosters appreciation, which in turn becomes the transformative energy of gratitude that changes us on a deep level. Practicing gratitude can be a positive way to find inner peace and contentment. By choosing to be thankful for the wonderful things and people in our daily lives we become healthier and happier. It is a mindful act so simple, yet it brings a lasting happiness and an inner joy to those committed to living the good life.

Think about the people in your life who are loving and kind to you. Who has your back by looking out for you? Who has sacrificed in order to make your life better? Do the people closest to you have your best interest at heart? At the end of the day, we all have those people in our lives that add to our happiness. Don’t ever take for granted what another does, gives and sacrifices in order for you to flourish, to be the best version of yourself you can be. It takes a team in life to come out a winner in the end.

Living gratefully has its rewards! Give the gift of joy that comes from loving and helping others. That’s the power of gratitude. So take thanks beyond your Thanksgiving table this year, and show your gratitude by doing something selfless today.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]