We recently read an interesting article that showed that spending money on other people versus yourself can provide a number of health benefits. An article from Science from 15 years ago entitled Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness, researchers postulated that how people spent their money may be at least as important as how much money they earn. Their hypothesis was that spending money on other people may have a more positive impact on happiness than spending money on oneself. In the study, participants were randomly assigned to spend money on themselves vs others.
Data shows that giving benefits our emotional well-being, boosts happiness, and improves life satisfaction. A 2020 article from The Journal of the American Psychological Association, complemented this earlier study with results showing that prosocial spending (money spent on others) and giving up money to have more time (buying time) both increased well-being. The authors stated that we should view our financial resources as tools that can be used to alter one’s own happiness.
Most of us have heard the Bible quoted from Acts 20:35 where the Apostle Paul stated that it is more blessed to give than receive. Unfortunately, much of the world’s view today talks all about ME and doing what is best for oneself versus others. Do what feels good. Do what is best for you. Be your best self.
But if we change the world one person at a time, we can make a difference. Right? Try some small acts of giving and see how you feel. Bless someone else with something seemingly outrageous – and you’ll feel like a million bucks and God will bless you!
Throughout this whole terrible situation with hurricanes hitting the state of FL, we have witnessed and experienced big and small miracles, many acts of kindness, overwhelming generosity, and true love and sacrifice – not only with money, but also with time.
So, we encourage you to step out and give.
If you are wondering “how?” – here is one suggestion to consider:
GivingTuesday, started on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (vs Black Friday and Cyber Monday) is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity.
From their website: “GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.
It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.
Every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. Whether it is making someone smile, helping a neighbor, showing up for an issue that someone cares about, holding the door open for someone, buying a stranger some coffee – we all have something to contribute. Each seemingly small act may turn into a ripple wave of good, transforming society and building the world we all want to live in.”
We encourage you to think of ways you can give today – and every day – or at least every Tuesday! It does the body good!