Lately, every time I turn on the television, the radio, or pull up my favorite online news site, what I am seeing and hearing is grim. Hundreds of thousands of people losing their jobs. Millions, their homes.
It certainly is sad, anxiety-provoking, and for some families and individuals, absolutely tragic.
But in the midst of all this, there is one positive thing we can do: Share.
As parents and caregivers, teachers and therapists, we are constantly asking, telling, or teaching our kids to share. Share your toys, share your favorite bouncy ball, share that video game controller, share your room, and ad infinitum.
If we look to our kids during this difficult time, there is quite a bit that they can teach us -- especially about sharing.
Think about when your child runs up to you and gives you his perfect, crooked smile that fills you with that sunshiny feeling: it's better than a million bucks! Or, about those times when your toddler says something so cute and funny that you feel richer than the richest man or woman on earth and can't wait to share it with the next person you see.
We can follow our children's examples. We can call up the old friend we miss to say, "I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you." We can smile at our neighbor, who unbeknownst to us, was until a minute ago, having a really hard day.
If you're willing to try it, I promise you will get something back. A good feeling, a greater sense of connectedness. And, the more you share, the better you'll feel.
Bottom line: Sharing creates abundance. Maybe that's what we've been trying to teach our kids all along.
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