I remember one of my favorite episodes of “Friends” featured Phoebe trying to perform one selfless act of charity. She tried multiple things, and each time something good would happen to her because of her good deed. She got so frustrated and finally she realized there truly are no ‘selfless’ acts. Why is this the case? Well, if you’re a magpie like me and believe in the Law of Attraction, you know that like attracts like. When you are doing something from your heart, you are paid back in kind with an equally beautiful gift. I love when you can see the flow happen just as the universe intended it. I experienced vibrational kumbaya just this week. So grab your coffee (or wine- hey, no judgement here) and I’ll share my story with you.
I’ve been running a fundraiser for the past 2 weeks to raise money for the people of St. John, USVI. You can check it out over on my Facebook page. This tiny island was hit hard during category 5 hurricane Irma, and it will take years to recover. I visited the island this past May before the storms and saw the beauty in not only the island scenery, but also the people. I realized that for many, this storm left them with nothing and I wanted to do something in some small way to help give a hand up to those in need. Now, I’m not the Red Cross. I don’t have hundreds of volunteers working for me. It’s just me over here at SS Magpie. I may be small, but I’m mighty! I created 3 pieces of jewelry with a focal stone called Larimar. This stone is called the stone of the Caribbean because its beautiful blue and white tones are reminiscent of the sparkling blue Caribbean sea. My friend, who lives on St. John island, first introduced me to this stone when she gifted me with a beautiful silver and Larimar necklace. Fast forward 20 years later, when I was choosing a stone for my fundraiser pieces, it was the simple choice. So much love and connection in a million ways. Anyway, about 3 months ago, I had designed a one of a kind Larimar necklace for the jewelry store that carries my woven line. It was my most expensive piece to date, coming in just over $600.00. I love that piece, but I knew it would take a certain type of customer to purchase it so I’d have to be patient. The staff told me many people admired the necklace but it wasn’t until yesterday, when I shipped out my first batch of fundraiser jewelry (all Larimar) that a new client walked in and purchased it! Coincidence? Maybe, but I don’t think so. Instead, I believe it was the universe’s way of thanking me for the good I am doing. Light reflecting light if you will. One thing I can say for certain is that it brought me joy. You see, there really are no selfless acts after all.
So, maybe you’re wanting to test out this theory? Well, I came up with 10 ways to you can try to give a bit of yourself.
- Fundraise for a good cause. You don’t have to raise $10,000 for it to matter. Every little bit helps someone who has nothing.
- Include others in your blessings and prayers. Speak to God, speak to the universe, speak to yourself- it doesn’t matter who’s listening, as long as it comes from the heart.
- Facilitate the efforts of others by sharing goodness. Social share on Facebook, tag a friend on Instagram, email your tribe. However your coconut telegraph works, just share the love.
- Give your time. Actions often speak louder than words. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or spend a Saturday helping to rehab a neighborhood garden. Giving with your hands and heart can do the most good.
- Teach a child to share. Clean out your kids toys and donate the ones that are still in great shape. You’ll get a cleaner playroom, and your kids will learn the valuable lesson of giving to someone in need.
- Random acts of kindness. Next time you see a military member having dinner alone, why not pick-up the check and send over a note thanking them for their service.
- Have patience and smiles for those you meet throughout your day. A brilliant smile can brighten even the cloudiest day. You never know who really needed it, and walking around smiling is a sure way to make yourself feel cheerful. Plus, people will wonder what you’re up to which is always a bonus!
- Check off the “Organ Donor” box the next time you renew your automobile registration. Imagine your eyes allowing a blind man to see his first sunset. Breathtaking!
- Pay it forward. Buying your Starbucks every morning? Next time, pay for an extra coffee and ask the Barista to give the next one free to someone who seems to need a pick me up.
- Compliment a complete stranger. I guarantee you will catch them off guard, and leave them smiling secretly to themselves for the rest of the day.
Try one this week and let me know what happens. At the very least, you will have the inner satisfaction of knowing that you ‘did good.’ Thanks for spending this time with me. I can’t wait to hear your story!
“No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone”