‘Joy to (Your Part of) the World’
‘A Political View’ By Sherry Holliman
Joy to the world is unrealistic, but bringing Joy to your community should be real!
The holiday’s is a time for people to share meals and give thanks, however some have found themselves for the first time to need the help of others.
November kicks off the holiday season with high expectations for a festive time of year. However, for many this time of the year can cause sadness, anxiety, depression or feelings of just feeling lost or overwhelmed.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.” Lives can be richer when people share, providing both sides to receive inner joy from helping others to experience a better way of living. Some people have made this statement, “If I start giving, how will they learn how to provide for themselves?”
There are so many things we can all offer to provide joy in other people lives believe it or not many of these things are free. If you have material things you don’t need or want consider giving to those who have less than you do, and if you feel like you don’t have any material possession to offer, give them your time, your knowledge, your love and support this act cost will you nothing but will be valued a lot.
Giving takes you out of yourself and allows you to grow beyond other limitations. Giving is about you the giver! Teaching is a part of giving but it requires giving your time. True joy lies in the act of giving without an expectation of receiving something in return.
Many people ask, “Why should I give to people I don’t know?” or “Why can’t they get a job and earn their way like I did?” When you’re focused on giving to others, you’re less likely to become consumed by your own concerns and challenges. Giving provides an opportunity to look beyond our own world and see the bigger picture. Giving someone that helping hand can be a great perspective to achieved by stepping out of our own world and venturing into the world of other people. Your worries and challenges may not seem as significant when compared to other people’s situations.
No matter what your circumstances in life, you have the ability to give.
Every elected official should always believe that giving is a requirement not an option because voters need to trust that their quality of life will always be considered, and uncomfortable issues will always be addressed. Giving is one of the best investments you and others can make towards achieving local changes.
Voting is a form of giving, it allows your voice to be heard and opportunities for change to occur. You are giving your time and money to candidates to support your beliefs, with the only expectation that the elected leaders will make decision for the good of the public and not themselves. When people give just a little of their time, by sharing skills, knowledge, wisdom, compassion, wealth and love their community could be more prosperous.
So, encourage yourself to look for opportunities where you can give and help others. The gift of joy will come to you when you give of yourself to others. That’s what life is all about. Challenge yourself this holiday season to practice and commit to giving joy. Holidays should be about the spirit of giving without bias and seeking something in return.
Can you give joy this season?
Sherry Holliman is a concerned citizen of Crittenden County and has some views on a variety of topics that she wants to share with her neighbors.
She serves on the Marion City Council.
