This is my first attempt at writing about something that is important to me. Some people might call this a blog; I call it being brave because writing is not my thing, speaking is. Those of you who know me, are smiling, because you know I love a chat! I’m going to keep it short because what is important to me, needs to be said now, and I want you to read it before you click away.
I mentioned this to my husband as a throw-away line, and he immediately said, why not? Oh dear! Me and my big mouth – now I need some excuses to get out of this. So here they are:
I spend a lot of money on the people I love; I can’t afford to double that.
I already give to my charities through the year.
This is the worst time of year because of all the additional expenses.
Charities already get a lot more at this time of year through their Christmas appeals.
It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving. Mother Theresa
You might already be giving, either through donations or the gift of time and service this Christmas, that is awesome. Perhaps you work for a forward thinking organisation that matches your donations, dollar for dollar, or gives you time to do charity work? Interestingly, the Australian Government has been incentivising charities and especially aid organiations for many years. If you meet their criteria, they will match every dollar you raise, with either one, two or three dollars. Having worked in an aid organisation, I’m aware their reporting requirements are rigorous. I really like this partnering and accountability approach, and have witnessed countless lives saved as a result. So back to my big mouth, of course, I am going to complete this financial challenge, and it is mine alone. I also invite you to thoroughly enjoy your acts of giving and then to give more!
As you move into Christmas celebrations and reflections. Will your brave be to double your love for others? Will you consider investing in yourself to be a better you in 2018, or like me, will you have fun asking people what charities you should be mathcing your dollar for dollar donation to.
If you would like to nominate a charity you think I should give to, please do so here.
If you would like to speak to me about my Brave Steps program for 2018 do so here.
If you would like information on the Brave Money 2018 Workshops, please inquire here.
Shirley Reeder is the Director of Brave Consulting Pty Ltd. She loves to work with people who want to discover their Brave and then do something with it. www.shirleyreeder.com