Welcome to the 19th issue of 5 Minute Friday from The Backpack CPA! Every Friday I share a short email with tips & resources to get you thinking about your Professional & Personal Development!

Let's start "growing" through our human journey instead of just "going" through it!

First A few words from a wise person…

“Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others.” ~ Brian Tracy

💪 Professional & Personal Development

'tis the season to share 🫶 🎄

It’s Christmas time & a time of the year when we get to share and receive many things besides just gifts. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Sharing is caring.” But what does it really mean? At its core, sharing with others is a way of showing that you care about someone else and that you want to help them in some way. It can also be a form of self-expression, an act of generosity, or even just a way to spread joy. Let’s take a closer look at why sharing is so important.

The Benefits of Sharing

Sharing can have a profound effect on both the giver and receiver. On one hand, when you share something with another person, you get a sense of satisfaction from knowing that you've made someone else happy. This can boost your self-esteem, as well as make you feel more connected to those around you. On the other hand, by receiving something from somebody else, you're able to appreciate their generosity and kindness. This creates a feeling of gratitude and connection between both parties—a bond that can last for years to come.

Sharing Can Help Build Connections

One of the most obvious benefits of sharing is that it allows us to build meaningful connections with others. Whether you are having a conversation or offering something tangible like food or clothing, by interacting with someone else and offering something of value, you are developing a connection. This can be especially beneficial if you are trying to improve your relationships with people who you care about. Being generous can make people feel appreciated and valued which can lead to stronger bonds.

The Power of Sharing

Sharing is not only beneficial for those involved in the exchange; it has the power to positively impact entire communities as well. When people volunteer their time for causes they care about or donate resources to those in need, they are contributing their part towards making the world a better place for everyone. By coming together and pooling our resources and skillsets, we create positive change on a much larger scale than any one individual could ever achieve alone.

Sharing Helps Us Grow

Sharing also helps us grow personally. When we offer our knowledge, experience, advice, or even just an ear for listening, we are helping ourselves as well as those around us. By opening ourselves up and expanding our horizons through sharing, we gain perspective on different aspects of life that can help shape who we become and how we view the world around us. Even if it’s something as simple as giving your friend a book recommendation or talking about a particular topic that interests you both, learning from each other through shared experiences can benefit both parties involved.

Sharing Can Bring Happiness

Lastly, sharing has the potential to bring happiness not only to those receiving but also those who are giving. It is often said that giving feels better than receiving and this rings true when it comes to sharing experiences and resources. Knowing that you have helped someone else in some way can bring joy not only during the actual act of sharing but also long after the deed has been done—especially if it was done out of generosity rather than obligation. That feeling of satisfaction from being able to do something for someone else is priceless!

So there you have it – at its core, sharing is an essential part of human nature; it’s something we all do on an everyday basis in one way or another. Whether it’s lending a helping hand or donating money for charity, giving something away always has a positive outcome for both parties involved—the giver gains a sense of satisfaction while the receiver feels appreciated and cared for. So next time you get the chance to share something special with someone else, don’t hesitate! You never know how much impact your simple act could have on someone else's life!

📗💡 Learning/Tools

Continuing on the theme of sharing, I feel like our time is one of the easiest things we can share with others through volunteering opportunities. Volunteering is a great experience & also rewards us with a learning opportunity. Here are ideas of places in your local community where you can volunteer your time & help make a difference in someone’s life!