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#b365 May Tip: Give Generously
In April, our #b365 focus was all about taking care of YOU. This next month, we want to help you keep that going—but we’re inviting you to take it a little deeper. How? By giving generously. Read on for 7 meaningful—and free!—things you can do to give generously and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Be present.
Are you connecting with your friends and family members in a meaningful way? Are you listening to them and giving them your undivided attention? It’s so easy to go through the motions and get sidetracked by thoughts, text messages, or Instagram. Instead, challenge yourself to be focused on the present moment. Taking a more mindful approach to your interactions will not only be more supportive for the person you’re with, but also make your experience more enjoyable because you’re not multitasking.
Send a handwritten note.
What’s better than getting a handwritten letter in the mail? And yet, when was the last time you wrote one? Instead of sending an email or text message, take out some paper and your favorite pen and handwrite a note to someone special in your life.
Reach out to someone who might be lonely.
Do you have a friend going through a breakup? What about an elderly neighbor who you see every morning? These people may or may not be lonely, but what do you have to lose by reaching out to them? You might just be the thing that turns their day around—or, at the very least, you get to connect with someone new.
Help out at work.
Could you take on a task that isn’t technically part of your job description? Could you be a sounding board for a team member as they hash out an idea that’s not fully baked? Working in partnership and stepping up for your co-workers doesn’t just benefit them. It’s a defining quality of leadership, and it will make both you and your team stronger.
Volunteer.
Think about how your natural skills and talents might be helpful to local nonprofits or community-driven organizations. Could you mentor a child who needs help with reading skills or help domestic-violence victims prep for job interviews by reviewing their resumes? If you’re an animal lover, what about volunteering at the Humane Society? Once you start looking, you’ll find that there are many ways to give back to our communities.
Donate.
If volunteering your time isn’t doable with your busy schedule, consider donating to an organization. It doesn’t take much to make a big impact. For example, when you give as little as $5 to our nonprofit partner Every Mother Counts, you cover the cost of transportation to a nearby hospital for an expecting mama in Uganda. For $50, you can pay for prenatal, childbirth, nutrition, and breastfeeding education for two at-risk mothers in the United States! There are so many incredible organizations out there that could use your support. Think about the causes that are most important to you, and take action.
Say thank you.
We know you have good manners—this isn’t about that. It’s about wanting other people to know that you value them. A simple and sincere “thank you” can be incredibly powerful, especially if the person you’re thanking isn’t expecting it. Maybe it’s thanking the person who stands next to you in barre3 every week, for bringing their energy and helping you push yourself in class. Or maybe you let your mother-in-law know how grateful you are for the thoughtful meals she cooks for your family. We are surrounded by people who are forces of positivity in our lives. This month, take the time to let them know that you appreciate them.
Don’t Forget About YOU
As you’re giving generously to your community and the people you love, remember to also give generously to yourself and your barre3 practice. Schedule your workouts. Fuel your body with whole foods. Connect with the people in your life who fill you up. Because think about it: If you aren’t carving out time for things that are nourishing, bring you joy, and help you hit the reset button, you won’t have energy to support other people.
To help you stay on track, we’ll be giving you tons of inspiration. Get ready for more blog and social content than ever before. Expect an article on how to get the most out of Carousel Horse, a can’t-miss gluten-free pancake recipe, and lots of inspiring stories from real people in our community.
And pssst! We’ve also got some really exciting announcements coming your way in the next few weeks. Hint: You’ll be able to take your barre3 practice absolutely anywhere this summer.
So, are you ready to go all in and give generously in May? Let us know your plans in the comments below.
In April, our #b365 focus was all about taking care of YOU. This next month, we want to help you keep that going—but we’re inviting you to take it a little deeper. How? By giving generously. Read on for 7 meaningful—and free!—things you can do to give generously and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Be present.
Are you connecting with your friends and family members in a meaningful way? Are you listening to them and giving them your undivided attention? It’s so easy to go through the motions and get sidetracked by thoughts, text messages, or Instagram. Instead, challenge yourself to be focused on the present moment. Taking a more mindful approach to your interactions will not only be more supportive for the person you’re with, but also make your experience more enjoyable because you’re not multitasking.
Send a handwritten note.
What’s better than getting a handwritten letter in the mail? And yet, when was the last time you wrote one? Instead of sending an email or text message, take out some paper and your favorite pen and handwrite a note to someone special in your life.
Reach out to someone who might be lonely.
Do you have a friend going through a breakup? What about an elderly neighbor who you see every morning? These people may or may not be lonely, but what do you have to lose by reaching out to them? You might just be the thing that turns their day around—or, at the very least, you get to connect with someone new.
Help out at work.
Could you take on a task that isn’t technically part of your job description? Could you be a sounding board for a team member as they hash out an idea that’s not fully baked? Working in partnership and stepping up for your co-workers doesn’t just benefit them. It’s a defining quality of leadership, and it will make both you and your team stronger.
Volunteer.
Think about how your natural skills and talents might be helpful to local nonprofits or community-driven organizations. Could you mentor a child who needs help with reading skills or help domestic-violence victims prep for job interviews by reviewing their resumes? If you’re an animal lover, what about volunteering at the Humane Society? Once you start looking, you’ll find that there are many ways to give back to our communities.
Donate.
If volunteering your time isn’t doable with your busy schedule, consider donating to an organization. It doesn’t take much to make a big impact. For example, when you give as little as $5 to our nonprofit partner Every Mother Counts, you cover the cost of transportation to a nearby hospital for an expecting mama in Uganda. For $50, you can pay for prenatal, childbirth, nutrition, and breastfeeding education for two at-risk mothers in the United States! There are so many incredible organizations out there that could use your support. Think about the causes that are most important to you, and take action.
Say thank you.
We know you have good manners—this isn’t about that. It’s about wanting other people to know that you value them. A simple and sincere “thank you” can be incredibly powerful, especially if the person you’re thanking isn’t expecting it. Maybe it’s thanking the person who stands next to you in barre3 every week, for bringing their energy and helping you push yourself in class. Or maybe you let your mother-in-law know how grateful you are for the thoughtful meals she cooks for your family. We are surrounded by people who are forces of positivity in our lives. This month, take the time to let them know that you appreciate them.
Don’t Forget About YOU
As you’re giving generously to your community and the people you love, remember to also give generously to yourself and your barre3 practice. Schedule your workouts. Fuel your body with whole foods. Connect with the people in your life who fill you up. Because think about it: If you aren’t carving out time for things that are nourishing, bring you joy, and help you hit the reset button, you won’t have energy to support other people.
To help you stay on track, we’ll be giving you tons of inspiration. Get ready for more blog and social content than ever before. Expect an article on how to get the most out of Carousel Horse, a can’t-miss gluten-free pancake recipe, and lots of inspiring stories from real people in our community.
And pssst! We’ve also got some really exciting announcements coming your way in the next few weeks. Hint: You’ll be able to take your barre3 practice absolutely anywhere this summer.
So, are you ready to go all in and give generously in May? Let us know your plans in the comments below.
