by Elisabeth Fayt
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
Last month, we turned inside—taking quiet moments each day to reflect on Gratitude and count our blessings. But as the crisp November air moves in and holiday plans start to form, something subtle shifts. Gratitude isn’t meant to stay dormant within us, rather to express itself as Generosity.
In November, I don’t know about you, but I start to seek warmth, not just from a wool sweater and pumpkin spice latte, but from the approaching Christmas season; because it’s a time when we naturally open our hearts to others. We have a greater internal yearning and capacity to give and connect.
Why can’t we feel that all year long?
So let’s talk about generosity. What does it mean to you?
I like to think of generosity as giving or doing more than I’m comfortable with. Like when you’ve bought two of a similar item with the plan to share one. Do you give the nicer one or keep the nicer one for yourself?
Generosity to me is giving when it’s tough to give, like when you help someone “move” (not fun), or when you lend someone money (will I get it back?) or like I said before, when you give the nicer one.
And generosity is contagious! I have a friend in my life who is so generous, she makes me want to give more. Whatever she receives she shares with me, no questions asked, and always gives me the nicer one. Her consistent generosity reminds me to do the same.
I understand that it’s human nature to want to keep the better thing for ourselves. But expressing our gratitude for what we have by sharing it with others is what generosity is all about. And it is contagious, like tossing a pebble into still water. Initiating that positive ripple is the true heartbeat of November, as Christmas approaches.
RnR puts gratitude into motion: Our Big Give Campaign
Every year at this time, we put this whole idea into practice at the spa with our Big Give Campaign.
Giving doesn’t have to be some huge, overwhelming thing, and you don’t need endless money to do it. It’s really just about heart and intention. Giving your time, a little extra help, or even just sitting down and really listening to someone—that all means so much.
So many great charities in this city are doing just that. To support them, we’d love for you to nominate your favorite local charity or small non-profit. Tell us who you think needs a little extra love, so we can step in.
A Nod to Movember: Growing Care & Raising Awareness
Speaking of giving back in fun ways—you might notice a few extra moustaches popping up around town this month. November is also Movember, where guys drop their razors for 30 days to raise money and start open, honest conversations about men’s health, mental health and suicide prevention.
It’s such a sweet reminder that giving back doesn’t always have to be so serious. Something as simple, and silly, as growing a moustache can break the ice and start a conversation that might actually save a life. Cheering on the men in our lives as they grow out their ‘staches is just another easy, heartfelt way to show we care.
How Will You Start Your Ripple?
Here are some ways: As we head into November together, I challenge you to look for your own small pebble to throw into the water—maybe by going above and beyond in some way, by giving more than you’re comfortable with, or by choosing to give the nicer one.
Nominate a great local charity for our Big Give Campaign, cheer on someone doing Movember, text an old friend just to check in, or book in for a massage. In my book, Paving It Forward, I talk about how you can’t pour from an empty cup. So you need to be generous with yourself as well, and there’s nothing like filling your cup like a day at the spa.
Let’s turn these cold days ahead into the warmest month of the year—not just for ourselves, but for everyone whose lives we touch. Physically, mentally and emotionally, we will be armed and ready for the busy holiday season. Bring it on!
Yours in wellness,
Elisabeth