Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash
Imagine what the world would be like if people freely gave more of their time, money and other resources… Well, that’s why Common Change exists, to create avenues to bring ever more generosity into the world. Pretty much all of us like to think of ourselves as generous people, after all, generosity is a trait valued and admired throughout history and across cultures. Yet at the same time we may look at the world and not see generosity being practised as regularly as it ought to be. To bring about change there may be times when we need to convince others of the value of generosity. So what might we say? Here are some ideas…
Generosity helps those in need
Perhaps the most obvious reason why it’s good to be generous is that it can help those in need. Whether it’s donating money to a charity, volunteering your time to a cause, or simply helping a friend in need, being generous can make a real difference in someone’s life. It can provide hope, comfort and support to those who are struggling and can help them get back on their feet.
Generosity fosters relationships
When you are generous, you open the door to new relationships and deepen existing ones. Giving to others demonstrates that you care about them and can bring people together in a common cause. Whether it’s donating money to a friend’s fundraiser or simply lending a listening ear to someone in need, being generous can help strengthen bonds and create a supportive network of friends and family.
Generosity boosts happiness
Research has shown that giving to others activates the brain’s reward centres, producing feelings of happiness and satisfaction. This is why many people find that giving to charity or volunteering their time to a cause they care about can be incredibly rewarding.
Generosity improves mental health
Giving to others can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. When you focus on others and their needs, it takes your mind off of your own problems and allows you to gain perspective on what is truly important in life. Furthermore, when you help someone in need, it can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
Generosity creates a sense of community
Generosity can bring people together and create a sense of community. When people work together to help others, they can form lasting bonds and work towards a common goal. This can lead to a more connected and supportive society where people look out for each other and work together to make the world a better place.
Generosity inspires others
When you are generous, you inspire others to be generous as well. Your actions can serve as a positive example for those around you, encouraging them to do good and “pay it forward”. This creates a positive cycle of generosity that can have a ripple effect on those around you and beyond.
