Our Latina Leadership Lesson this month is about giving back. We all do so much to give back to our families, our communities, and to all sorts of causes. It's time to talk about why it's so important to celebrate and honor that part of who we are.
This month, our Latina Leadership Lesson is about giving back. I know we all do so much to give back to our families, our communities, and to all sorts of causes. It's time to celebrate and honor that part of who we are, and to talk about why it's so important.
First of all, when you give back, it's key to come from a place of fullness. If you're giving from a sense of duty, of guilt or a feeling that somehow you received a bunch of things you don't deserve and "why me?" when others have not been so blessed, then own that and look at it closely.
It's OK to receive all of what you have been given with gratefulness and gracious acceptance. Because you have so much, it doesn't mean you "owe" anyone. Rather, when you are so full as to bursting, the sense of giving back is a feeling of pleasure, of overflowng goodness, and of grace.
So, if you're not yet "full," make sure to give to yourself first. Because when we give from a place other than joy, it breeds resentment and other negative emotions. And the "giving" isn't good for either you or the recipient
In truth, giving is receiving, and when you give it should be from a source of abundance. When you're truly giving from the heart, the giving actually makes you *bigger* and you receive more than you release.
Isn't that a wonder?
And when we receive a gift -- whether it be time, attention, wisdom, resources or anything else -- from someone who gives to us with the energy of not wanting anything back, but simply giving because they want to, and it comes without any strings or burdens, then it's a real gift.
During this month when there's so much gift giving and receiving, as Latina Leaders, we want to make sure that the exchange is one that builds us all up, instead of tearing us down.
Consider for a moment when a child gives you a picture they just drew, especially for you. The creative act, as well as the gift, is given with pride, with joy and is FUN for them. And when you accept it openly, with sincere gratitude and appreciation, the child is delighted and proud.
That's the spirit of giving that I'm talking about. This giving that is a two way exchange where both parties are equally giving and receiving.
We’ll cover all these ideas, and more, in this month and, as always, I'd love to hear your feedback. When you give back, are you coming from a place of generosity of spirit? Or is there something that is holding you back?
It's the time to be honest with ourselves, and make sure our gifts are just that, and not "negotiated bargains." Enjoy the discussion!
Are You Connected to the Environment?
Do you feel the softness of the sheets against your skin and think of the cotton used to provide it to you? Do You pay attention to the birds outside your window or turn your face to the sunshine and bless the rays? Do you get excited or motivated with the freshness of the outdoors? Instead of enjoying our surroundings we rush around all day.
Don’t Do, Just Be
As Latinas, we struggle with overwork, burnout and the stress of juggling many, many obligations all at once. As women, we are the ones who take care of household tasks and responsible for child care. We are also the ones who hold the family together, carry on the traditions, and transmit culture (language, food, attitudes).
Latino Romance!
You can fall in love in one-fifth of a second. A Syracuse University Professor conducted a new study and found that falling in love can give you the same ecstatic feeling as using cocaine, and it can also affect intellectual areas of the brain.
