 To your second half transition
Positive Aging - your giving attitude
Over the holiday period in January, an article appeared in the business section of a Melbourne newspaper. Frank Fisher described wearing a substantial brace to support his back after a bicycle fall. The brace allowed him to be mobile, but limited. During his visit to the local bank, a teller empathised with him and acknowledged his enforced limitations. He gushed with appreciation that someone had noticed and said so, rather than ignoring him.
In the article he talks about the act of giving, and referred to a recent publication, Why Good Things Happen to Good People, which may be of interest to you.
Research findings from the author, Stephen Post, point out that giving, more than receiving, is a potent force. Giving over a lifetime nurtures people and has long term benefits.
Research over 50 years shows that an early start in the giving stakes was a good indicator that people had better physical and mental health for future years. Even late starters who give, of their time, money, and expertise, live longer than those who do not give.
Further research indicates that people who help others, help themselves, and feel happiest among their peers.
Who are you helping or doing good for?
You may give because you find the act of giving of value to do. You may also find the feeling of a job well done or a relationship further enhanced is of great benefit also.
A client of mine has been involved in a voluntary capacity in a counselling service for over 10 years. She reflected on how giving her time and her energy (particularly into fundraising) have raised her energy levels. With extra energy she is working on another professional committee and feels she can go on forever. She considers she is contributing to her own health as well as giving to others what they need.
What about your own view of giving?
Perhaps you make regular contributions to your nominated charity. Or perhaps you give at red lights to canvassers rattling their donation tins. Perhaps your view has developed over your lifetime to date, where giving was what the government did because you paid your taxes.
If you knew that giving is good for your health, good for your prospects in living longer and brings more happiness would you change your view?
George Vaillant described a hypothetical case of a 38 year old woman who had been unsuccessful in having children. Following a cervical biopsy, she underwent a total hysterectomy. How could she respond to this event?
One response could be that she refused hospital visitors during her recovery. She would visit the nursery providing her own names for the babies there. A more mature response would be to plan for after her recovery. She could organise a group of other women who experienced similar cancer. The group could counsel and visit patients undergoing gynaecological surgery. Experienced group members could try to provide information, advice, and comfort to surgical patients.
What would your response have been?
Is giving or doing good only about others?
Based on the earlier discussion I suggest that giving is an ongoing developmental process which has ongoing health and wellness benefits.
Giving is about maturity where people see their lives and actions as part of a flourishing community. This community may be local in your own geographical neighbourhood, in your workplace, or in a voluntary organisation.
Consider the current water restrictions that are faced by many Australians. Individuals in cities are urged to limit their water usage. Practical advice has included setting your timer to the minutes recommended for showers and buying drought resistant plants for your garden. Of course, using less water preserves a precious resource for more people for a longer time. For a campaign that has been running over the last 12 months, it seems that people are getting the message – by doing good for their community it is good for themselves.
Can you develop or enhance your view of giving on your own?
Are you ready to extend your giving services? Do you know where to start? What if help were available?
Contact us for a complimentary consultation to think about a new way of being in your community. We work with you to discover what you want for your life. It will be the best 30 minutes you spend to get started on more health, for longer and with greater joy.
Sign up for our 52 weekly tips about your transition to retirement. The tips provide regular reminders of what you can do to make your transition inspirational and practical.
References
Post, S & Neimark, J 2007, Why good things happen to good people, Broadway Books, New York.
Vaillant, G 2002, Aging Well, Little, Brown and Company, New York.
© 2009 Helene Strawbridge, All rights reserved. You are free to use material from the Second Half Success material in whole or in part, as long as you include complete attribution, including live web site link. Please also notify me where the material will appear. The attribution should read: By Helene Strawbridge of Second Half Success. Please visit Helene’s web site at www.secondhalfsuccess.com.au for additional articles and resources. (Make sure the link is live if placed in an newsletter or in a web site.)
|
