“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” Henry James
December has arrived and the holiday spirit is filling the air; but that air often gets cluttered by the stress and pressure to purchase the perfect gift, serve the tastiest food and decorate an award-winning tree. The sounds of the holiday season are blasting through the radio as you drive down the streets and each house is aglow with twinkling lights. Little ones are waiting to see Santa, parents are baking cookies and your local post office is packed. No matter where you look, you will find a reminder that the holiday season is in full swing. However, the holiday season isn’t all about the presents, the cookies, or the lights and decorations. The holidays are about spending quality time with the people we love. The holidays are about surrounding ourselves with joy and happiness; but also about sharing that joy and happiness with those who need our help.
With all the work required in such a short amount of time, we often lose sight of the people struggling just to put a meal on the table; or those all alone with no family to share the love of the season. We forget that some people don’t have a tree, or presents to wrap. We forget that the holidays are about providing others with the same love and care we are fortunate to have.
Knowing that some people don’t have a family they can spend the holiday with hits me hard. Knowing that some children have moms and dads who are overseas serving our country and can’t be home with them on Christmas pulls at my heart strings. It motivates me to do whatever I can to make the holidays special for those not as lucky. I see the homeless on the streets each morning when heading into the office and dream of the day they have a home to call their own. I am fortunate to work in an environment that supports and encourages the idea of being kind to our community.
In a world that seems to have fallen victim to defeat, I believe businesses hold the power to rebuild their communities through kindness and care. Businesses that show kindness to their community help to recapture the true meaning and importance of the holiday by inspiring others to give to those people who are in need. Businesses have the resources to create a positive impact in their communities by stepping out the door and finding a problem that needs to be fixed. Then, just like a CTA you create for a customer, you can create a CTA for your community. When businesses make their community a priority, everyone reaps the benefits, from those in need to those who you employ.
An added benefit to your business giving back to your community is that it inspires your employees and gives them an opportunity to give back, too. They will feel more fulfilled in their work, which will enhance their performance and build a sense of pride and camaraderie.
So as the holiday season moves forward, remember all you must do is BE KIND and you and your business can create lifelong relationships with your community.