All Through the Kindness of Strangers
Generosity transforms lives — and it starts with one person
Last time I shared one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. It’s a gift that doesn’t cost anything yet is priceless.
It’s a gift we all need yet we rarely get it. We are just too busy.
The gift I spoke about is the gift of rest.
And hope I inspired you to make some ‘me time’ for yourself during this busy time of year.
As we continue with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I invite you to again make time this season — and this time with a focus on gratitude and giving.
One of the most heartwarming traditions that can be created, is the spirit of giving. As we give gifts to others, I speak about giving to those in need.
Whether you give to a local/national charity or volunteer your time at a center — or both, the act of giving, to me, is the true essence of the season.
Our world feels so busy and this time of year feels so materialistic, it’s nice to see the holiday spirit shine when we can come together to uplift and support each other.
No matter how small, each donation can make a significant impact and create such compassion and kindness that can extend well beyond the holiday celebrations and season.
I was listening to an interview with Oprah where she shared that one of her favorite Christmases was not when she was rich and famous, but when she was poor and young.
She shared how one year her mom said that there was no Santa and there would not be any gifts. Oprah might have been around 12, maybe younger. Oprah said it was then that she realized that unlike the other kids in her neighborhood and school — she was poor.
She spent time thinking of what her ‘story’ would be after the ‘big day’ when all the kids would share what they received. She felt a lot of stress over what that story would be…
…and on Christmas Eve night, the doorbell rang and some nuns stopped by with food and some toys. Oprah said that she received a Tammy doll, and though she wanted a Barbie, that doll was something she cherished.
Not only did she now have a story to share with all the kids — she said she realized that night that someone cared.
Yes, someone cared enough about her family to ensure that each child had food and a gift.
Hearing her perspective on this still brings tears to my eyes.
When we give, we give so much more than whatever it is. It is truly showing the recipient that someone in the world cares enough to ensure that they have a holiday that can be enjoyed.
All through the kindness of strangers….
Those who donate, either during the holiday season or throughout the year, are touching lives even though they do not know who is on the receiving end.
Tony Robbins has shared about a Thanksgiving when he was 11 when it was announced there wasn’t enough food. There would not be a turkey dinner.
And that Wednesday night right before, the doorbell rang and there was turkey and all the fixings. “My life had changed by a knock on the door.”
All through the kindness of strangers…
And now Tony has made it part of his mission as he has partnered with Feeding America to provide 1 billion meals by 2025. Any time he runs a free challenge, he notes that he will donate x amount of meals on your behalf.
And if you pay as a VIP for any event, even more, is donated to Feeding America on your behalf.
This is a perfect example of how generosity transforms lives — and it starts with one person. Just one action has the power to ignite a collective movement.
Impact begins when we choose to care, give and serve.
And speaking of making an impact, I would love to share a story with you. It’s from our Founder and Leader of ILLUMINATION, Dr Mehmet Yildiz.
This story confirms what a big heart he has and — how much he cares.
You will be touched and inspired by this beautiful story of how Dr Yildiz sponsored a child from Africa through the organization World Vision.
Mammadou, a little 6-year-old boy, became part of the family — through frequent letters in a time before the internet. And the bond continues today with Mammadou as a grown man.
This story and its author encourage us “To consider sponsorship not merely as a financial commitment but as an avenue to forge meaningful connections and make a lasting difference.”
And I encourage you to take a moment and open the link — and let it open your heart…
All through the kindness of strangers — lives are transformed.
If you were touched by Dr Mehmet Yildiz’s article, I want to include another to help spread the message about sponsoring a child. As Mike Broadly, DHSc shares in his story: “Child sponsorship isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a holistic approach encompassing education, healthcare, and community development.” So beautifully said…
This is the journey of self-awareness….
If I resonate with you, please FOLLOW the NEWLAND WELLNESS FB page — click HERE for a link. I’ve been doing LIVES on the mornings of Tuesdays for Tips and Thursdays for Thoughts each week. Replays are there as well. I keep it short and informative to help us on the self-awareness journey.
If you haven’t already, please take my QUIZ: What is Your Self-Awareness Type? and uncover more about where you are and where you can go. It’s 2 minutes and it’s FREE.
You can also find me: My Website. And subscribe to my YouTube for Minutes With Michele.
And I encourage you to read the work of my fabulous writer friends: Trista Ainsworth, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Amy Marley, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Erin King, Karen Madej, Alison Tennent, Neha Sandhir S, Lanu Pitan, Kyomi O’Connor, Terry Mansfield, Tim Maudlin, Bob Jasper, Joe Luca, JeffHerring.com, Indra Raj Pathak, Dr Michael Heng, David Acaster, Selma
Always celebrating, Dr Mehmet Yildiz, Founder and leader of ILLUMINATION
Until next time ~
Sending you light, love — and self-awareness.
Be Well,
