how to measure wealth...

[Luna]

A wise man said he can't measure his wealth in what he owns and what the number in his bank account is. He says he measures his true wealth in what he gives away.

This came up in conversation just recently with a friend and I wanted to share it. In this economy a lot of people have "lost" all or many of their material possessions. Forclosure being so huge...but you can't take any of that with you.

I think what matters really is what is in your heart, the type of person you were. No ones "obit" reads OMG she had the nicest biggest house and coolest shoes and purses. That's all great and good and fine. Be happy and enjoy possessions, but giving makes you truly happy in your heart.

I'd like everyone to take a moment and think of ways to give, for those of us that are cash-"strapped" it would not have to be cash:

Volunteering at a school or hospital
visiting and listening to an elderly person
picking up trash on the roadside
helping teach someone to read

What else can be done?

[lucid]

Yeah, I tell you I feel wealthy now that I can give away more to the food pantry and homeless shelter. And I am looking at a couple of other places to start donating to as well! And of course that is thanks to CM.

For those who can't get out because of gas prices or car problems, you can still make a phone call or write a letter to an older person or someone who is shut in. Your time (and concern) is valuable to them.

Another opportunity that could serve the whole community is to volunteer at your local library. My DMIL volunteered at her library until she was in her 80s! She took books to older folks who could not drive. She loved serving those people. They were still interested in reading too. She took loads of books to them.

[CherryPicker]

1. Donate clothing to a local charity/goodwill. The money made in these thrift stores so often goes to emergency programs, and helps in creating jobs....

2. Donate Gently Used....Recent Books to a library....since they can often be under funded....

3. Teach a struggling person/family/Elderly person on a limited income how to use the CouponMom system (even if they don't own a computer) so that they may maximize their grocery budget on a limited income.

4. Plant a Tree.

[Sylvia]

Grow a row for charity.

[cboyer]

Originally Posted by Luna

A wise man said he can't measure his wealth in what he owns and what the number in his bank account is. He says he measures his true wealth in what he gives away.

This came up in conversation just recently with a friend and I wanted to share it. In this economy a lot of people have "lost" all or many of their material possessions. Forclosure being so huge...but you can't take any of that with you.

I think what matters really is what is in your heart, the type of person you were. No ones "obit" reads OMG she had the nicest biggest house and coolest shoes and purses. That's all great and good and fine. Be happy and enjoy possessions, but giving makes you truly happy in your heart.

I'd like everyone to take a moment and think of ways to give, for those of us that are cash-"strapped" it would not have to be cash:

Volunteering at a school or hospital
visiting and listening to an elderly person
picking up trash on the roadside
helping teach someone to read

What else can be done?

what a generous spirit of heart you have.........

[vagabond2]

don't forget to give an encouraging word to someone everyday and SMILE...

we tend to walk around looking grumpy or angry without meaning to so lets change the world one smile at a time

[churn111]

Luna,

What an encouraging thread.

And there is an old saying that the best way to help yourself is to put your foot out the door and help someone else.

[bnkkey]

Luna, you have a good. I am always mindful of how good my life is and I try to give in anyway I can.Families going hungry and our troops is what bothers my heart so I help that way and donate.Thanks for reminding us.

[Luna]

~thanking each of you for contributing~

I saw the Manager of a local WAGS offer and take (walk) an ill woman home in his store today!! This touched my heart! (if I hadn't forgotten my coupons at home and had to go back for them I would have missed this act of kindness)

I love ALL the responses esp the smile !! That is something all of us can do!!

I also like "grow a row" maybe because it rhymes, maybe because I can't grow anything!?


What else? The more ideas the better!

Help a child understand. (homework or any concept)

Tell your checker/ bagger or anyone "serving" you..."thank you I appreciate you (your service)"

please keep adding as you think of more! !

[Leanna]

Pay a (sincere) compliment to someone everyday.