Giving
is a beautiful way of serving yourself and others. Benedict of Nursia (400
A.D.) gave the following definition for power: ‘power is the freedom to serve’.
Alternatively you could say the following: having money gives you the freedom
to serve. Money brings lots of possibilities. Chances to support others, to
create things with others, to help the weak, to build a healthy future together
with the new generations.
One
of the big worldwide challenges of the next 25 years will be to create enough
work for everyone, to ensure that young and old can live in an honourable way,
to ensure that everybody can employ his skills, and contribute in a meaningful
way. To get there, there is a great demand for leaders and entrepreneurs to
rise up! For new initiatives to develop. And all these ‘starters’ will need
money to start with!
At
the same time ‘giving money’ it is not only important for the receiving end,
but also for yourself. He who gives his money to charity, to support others, to
invest in innovation etc., also learns ‘to let go’. Being able to do just that,
frees you of anxiety and of being too stingy. Because these are two constant
shadows of money it is rather worthwhile to learn ‘to let go’. The best remedy
is to give with, a merry and content heart.
How
to give with a merry and content heart?
- It is for instance a nice rhythm to give 5%, 10%, or even 15% of your income each month to people that really need support. 10% is the figure we find back in the Big Book: ‘a tenths for the poor, and those that unselfishly serve without earning money in return.’ Like with everything, if you do this on a structural basis it becomes a healthy ritual.
- Often it is a great idea to invest in a project together with a few others. Specifically in projects that try to shape society in a positive way, and that especially appeal to you. Projects regarding for instance education, healthcare, social support, sport, church, inspiration & motivation, nature, etc!
- Giving also means: being generous, spontaneous, and showing solidarity towards people that really need it. Giving makes us more resilient, frankly because we see and understand that we are no victims ourselves, that we are people who shape our life, that are able to contribute in a meaningful way to our surroundings!
Summery:
being well in charge of your finances equals a clear and strong contribution to
our structural recourses. It means having more energy. It also certainly means
being able to develop more resilience! Money is a great tool, if you realize
that you can learn self-responsibility and how to build a healthy life-style in
regard to your finances.
1. What is enough?
2. Earning as much as you can – within reason!
3. Saving as much as you can – within reason!
4. Giving as much as you can – within reason!
I
hope you have gained a somewhat clearer picture regarding your own current situation,
and that it helps you to determine where you want to go from here. Good luck
with it all!
Paul
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