"Is Giving Your Gift?" Article by Steve Marsten

Well it’s three weeks until Christmas! Its the time of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, holly wreaths, decorated trees with heaps of presents, mistletoe, seasons greetings, seasonal music, cold beer, a dip in the pool with 20 others and Santa Claus are all associated with this holiday. These all bring warm feelings to those who celebrate it. Add to that rich Christmas cake; plum pudding with sixpences, beautiful leg hams, roast turkey, pork, pork crackling and backyard cricket with the extended family – and that’s how I remember Christmas.

It’s also a time to reflect. One thing I have focussed on is taking stock of where we are at - as a family; as a business and as a community. The key point of Christmas I feel – is the giving and the goodwill.

If you have had a good year – stop and think about how you got there. Consider the support of your spouse; your family members; your business partners and your team that you work with. Consider the support you have received from your customers and clients. Consider the support from your “raving fans”. What are you most thankful for?

 

When things go well – what do you give back? We too often forget that even in ”well off communities” – there are those who still do it tough.

Gladstone has done fairly well and I feel we live in a bubble compared to other parts of Australia. We are VERY lucky to be here than in other parts of the country right now.

You don’t need to be rich to give. Often people feel it’s about the dollar. It’s not. Time is actually the most valuable thing we possess or have control over. Whether you donate time or money – giving is beneficial. There is research supporting the old adage that “it’s better to give than to receive”. A Gallup survey on volunteers found that 52% of volunteers do it because they like doing something useful and helping others. Another 38% enjoy it because they “feel good” about themselves and while 2 % of volunteers reported they were in poor health this compared to 34% of non-volunteers.

  

I was reading an article in a health magazine that suggested “giving” as part of your exercise program/regimen.  So besides feeling good about yourself for doing something for others, “giving back” is actually good for your physical health.

In the lead up to Christmas take time to recognise the support of your team; your clients and customers; your business partners and your spouse and family.