The Best Things in Life Are Free

They say (I don’t know who “they” are) there’s no such thing as a free lunch.  As usual, I disagree.  One of the most profound ways we can grow spiritually, regardless of our religious affiliation, is to give back to the community.  “Giving back to the community” needs further exploration and clarification.

Let’s define community.  In my opinion, community refers to any person or organization that is in our individual sphere of reality.  Our higher power places people and opportunities in our path for a reason.  All are stepping-stones on the journey toward becoming truly ourselves, guiding us closer to our own fulfillment and the eternal bliss in the after life.  Each day provides a plethora of encounters to grow spiritually by receiving the gift from someone or sharing what we have with “our community.”  Our community can include, but is in no way limited to, spouses, family members, our social circle and local charities.  When we (sounding cliché) do good deeds, we share a piece of the eternal.  We present God to the world. The hopeless and despairing experience hope.  The lonely now have a friend. The lost are found.  The sick are healed. The depressed touch joy, and the hungry are fed.

So what exactly is “the gift?”  The gift is very simply put, me and you.  It is sharing who we truly are and our unique talents. Our present to the world, ourselves, originates from real love.  We must be willing to allow ourselves to be a bit vulnerable.  In order to have the courage to expose ourselves, the love must flow from the abyss within that is our higher power.  There are no strings attached.  We recognize that to whomever we are imparting our gifts is, in their own right, a gift themselves.  Our motivation comes from the understanding that the other person is worth it.  They deserve our gift of self.  Ironically, it is here, in the giving, that the giver is the one who advances on the stepping-stones of life, maybe even more than the receiver.

Last night, my husband and I had the opportunity to give back.  We attended an event to benefit the Atlanta Food Bank where they provide food and supplies to millions of people around north Georgia.  One of our dear friends, who consequently, is the Governor of Red Sox Nation for the state of Georgia, was roasted along with two other restauranteurs.  I feel, as does my husband, truly blessed to be able to make a contribution to this wonderful charity.  But, my favorite way to give back to my community is to love the individuals that God places in my world.  I enjoy lifting their spirits and touching their hearts.  This is where I am most vulnerable, and when I am most rewarded.  Try it! Your world is waiting for you.

Tell me what’s going on in your life.  I want to hear from you!

Wishing you love, balance and peace.

Amore & Baci,

Just Steph