Once in a while, something drifting along the river of social media information leaps out and grabs me. Today, it was this status:
It wasn’t the concept itself — the idea that charity begins at home is centuries old — but the way Yukari framed it by relating to the flight safety announcement really was an aHa! for me.
The funny thing is, I know lots of people who argue with the common sense of the flight safety announcement, too, insisting that they would never put their own safety before that of a child. The thing is, you are no use to that child if you pass out.
Same thing with the charity drives that ring that much louder at this time of year. Yes, the food banks, the shelters, the blood bank, and more could all use a few extra bucks as cold weather and holidays kick into gear. If you can afford to give, I am not going to tell you to stop, but if your giving brings you closer to needing the services of those charities, you are not helping.
2012 has been a quietly crappy year for a lot of people I know (even us). Your friends, neighbours and even family may not be saying it out loud, but a lot of people are skating pretty close to the financial abyss. The media and the government may not be using the term “recession” and maybe by an economist’s definition we aren’t there, but it sure feels like it did in the mid-90s and early-oughts.
So yes, please, if you can afford to give, give! but if it comes down to your plate or someone else’s please fill your own first. And if you’re canvassing and a friend/coworker/cousin says they can’t give this year, let’s all agree to respect that, too.
EDIT:
Immediate feedback via Twitter reminded me that not all giving need be financial. TRUE!! Small time commitments can be a great way to help and set a good example for children and peers, but I’d argue the same rule applies. Check the balance of your time-bank and your health, too. Consider that if you show up for your volunteer shift sick, tired, stressed out, or depressed, it may not be the best place to put your energy.
Of course I know there are those who get re-energized from doing volunteer work — great! Go out and do it! I’m not asking anyone to stop, I’m just suggesting we remember to test the water once in a while. Do a mental check that what we need to get through the day is in place before we try to serve others.