Giving back

I am really thankful to my parents for I had never to worry about anything while growing up. Though I wasn't born with a silver spoon or had a golden bathtub, they had enough to see us through easily. They provided me with everything I needed. From early on we were taught about budgeting and keeping spending in limits. There is a difference between need and want and that formed a part of our life learning. Although I now realise the essence of value before paying the price, I still get carried away at times and go for impulse buying...

Of late, while talking to friends, one thing that came up quite often was "how much is enough". We go through the daily grind, working day in and day out, but for what? Some bits of paper? Perhaps to be able to lead the same lifestyle when we retire, perhaps to give to our children all that our parents gave to us and much more. But then the key question is when can we stop? Will it ever be enough? However that is again a matter of separate discussion..for another day...:)

Coming back to this entry...I got a chance today to attend my organisation's chapter of Toastmaster club. One of the speeches there was about giving a part of you to someone who can't repay you back. The person delivering the speech said that study has proven that a person is most happy when he gives up something that he has. Spending money on yourself can bring you happiness for a few days but spending money on someone who needs it will probably earn you years of happiness.

His speech was good as it was quite motivating and inspiring, but for me, this is not a new enlightment. I love helping people and I love doing things for the needy. Bringing smile on someone else's face gives me immense pleasure. However there is a difference between loving something and doing something about it. Although I have donated money for good causes and keep doing that regularly, I wish I could do something more - donate some more time and energy. If you look around, it won't be difficult to find reasons or avenues.Its just a matter of standing up and making the first move.

In his speech, he quoted a saying "The world is composed of givers and takers. The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better." I too, would also like to have a good night sleep. Its just a question of "when". I would like to quote the lines from a Robert Frost poem that was part of my curriculum in my secondary school - lines that have been ingrained in my heart - lines that mean - there might be lots of wordly pleasures but there is no end to these and they are distracting, but that before the final end, there are lots of things that I need to complete:

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."