So yesterday for IBOT I published a post about blogging for money.
I thought that post was done; I certainly didn’t have any more to say on that particular matter.
Until late Monday night.
You see, I was messaging a friend on Facebook, and it got me thinking about the philanthropic nature of blogging.
Or rather the lack of it.
Our little blogging community has become rather consumed by ‘what can I get?’ ‘What’s in it for me?’ or my personal favourite, ‘My blog is worth far more than that!’
These comments and feelings are Completely justified. Blogging space is precious and shouldn’t just be filled with every press release that some random company floods your inbox with.
But what would happen, I wonder, if instead of thinking ‘what can I get?’ We started asking the question ‘What can I give?’
At DPCON12 I first came across the idea of social media for social good; realising that these little patches of interwebz have the opportunity to cause real positive change in our community.
I didn’t really understand how Diary of a SAHM could actively do that. My fan base is small, and I have little influence.
But as the year has gone, I’m beginning to see that it doesn’t matter how much power you have; it’s what you do with it.
I’ve been a little convicted.
This year, among other things, I’ve been working on my spending habits. Not that I was a great shopping addict, but it was a case of letting all the small things add up until there was a lot owing on the credit card, and nothing in the savings account.
Over the last few months, I’ve been challenging myself to change not just my spending habits, but also my thinking in regard to said habits, and I’m quietly pleased with how well I’m doing.
The down side, is that I used to be such a generous person. All the time, wanting to give and give and give.
Now I count the cost before every sacrifice. This, in itself, is not necessarily a bad thing. But the mental shift from a state of generosity, to miserliness, is not a positive improvement.
What it’s meant is this:
I have ignored the Sponsor Me post on Grace’s blog.
I haven’t even considered seriously giving anything to Deb’s efforts for Haiti.
And I kinda glossed over the generous ebook production of Denyse’s granddaughter.
Did you know I’m rich?
Super rich.
Crazy rich.
I have a car. Actually two cars, and one of them is a pretty new Pajero.
I have a sewing machine and so much beautiful fabric I don’t have enough time to play with it.
I have food in my pantry, and two fridges both full of not just necessities, but fun things too like Pepsi, and chocolate, and wine.
I have a MacBook.
I’m rich.
Compared to 85% of the world, I’m pretty much rolling in it.
Rich.
And yet I frequently turn a blind eye to the impoverished, hardening my heart to share even a few dollars, in the name of ‘financial wisdom,’ and ‘personal growth.’ I can spend $300 to go to a blogging conference in March, but can’t spare the $2 Denyse’s granddaughter is donating for her hard work? $2 that would not only make a difference in the life of a starving child, but also the mind of a thirteen year old girl, proving she can make her world a better place.
That’s pretty disgusting.
Did you know I have holes in my floor?
They came from leaky sunlights in the roof, and they are annoying, dirty and beyond frustrating. When small children come to my house they say, ‘what happened to your floor?’ whilst their parents are too polite to ask.
I’ve had many people ask me when the landlords are going to fix it, and I say they will get around to it. They would probably do it tomorrow if they realised the extent, but they don’t. I haven’t fully let them know, on the account on one of them having cancer and all.
In the grand scheme of things, an inconvenient thoroughfare is squat when a woman is fighting for her life.
But truth be told, there is a part of me that is a little in love with the hole in my floor. Because it reminds me that I have a floor.
Unlike so many others.
The hole in my floor, reminds me that I am rich.
And I have something, not to get, but to give.
Can you spare $2 for World Vision? Buy Sophie’s ebook here
Beautiful Jess.
Going to buy it now.
Alex aka Whoa Mumma recently posted..She Turned Her Can’ts Into Cans And Her Dreams Into Plans
Thanks Alex. Xx
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
Thanks for linking to me
This is something I struggle with all the time – realising that I am really quite wealthy compared to the rest of the world. Hopefully my small efforts can help someone, somewhere.xx
Debbie recently posted..Of Good Sports and The Rubbish Media.
I’m sure they can Deb. and the beautiful thing is that God can turn what little we do, into something big and extraordinary for Him.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
I think this all the time Jess, ALL THE TIME.
You bring up such raw reality.. we all “gloss” over the most important things sometimes.
Thank you x
Meagan recently posted..A day out with Flora and his cousin Fauna
It’s easyto gloss over it, because even though we live in an affluent country which is rich by the worlds standards, must of us still struggle ocassionally (or a lot) to pay the bills.
We see what we don’t have, because that’s what’s right in front of us, and it’s easyto forget there is a whole other world out there who would love to be in our position.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
I prefer to give then to recieve, however since we can barely afford our day to day living- with out any luxuries- I can not give as much as I would love to the charities and causes that are important to me.
Instead I try to give as much as possible to those around me by sharring my life lessons and sharing wisdom. By trying to help those around me to build character from within themselves. By teaching people to value themself, their personality and their personal strengths over materialistic “things”.
To me, that is how I can make my world a better place.
Lisa recently posted..It’s time I stop feeling sorry for myself and get on with life
And those are womderful and generous things to give. It’s not about what we have I think, so much as or attitude towards it. Do we covet everything or want to share generously?
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
So true Jess! You’ve really given me something to ponder
Cassandra recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: 1st Birthdays…
Well ponder away then!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
Well Said. You know why I bought the book. Even though I sponsor a child, it wasn’t so much about WV, (although that is the whole point) It was more so that a young girl, who is at an age that is easily influenced decided to make a difference. The success of this book will either inspire or dishearten her.
I hope it is a huge success, I hope that it helps WV, I hope that it inspires her and helps direct her on a path full of fullfilment and generosity as as she walks into adulthood.
Mandy recently posted..My husband went to Vegas and …………
And that’s half the point! That was what got me as well. It’s not just about helping children overseas and giving them hope, but it’s also about doing that for a young lady over here too.
You’re a gem Mandy. Xx
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
Amazing post. This has really made me remember just how lucky I am. Thank you
Thankyou. And you’re welcome
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
You know I have been doing a similiar thing here, it’s knowing that whatever you gain tomorrow will not make you any happier then you are today. To have gratitude on such a level I find so fulfilling.
In the last couple of weeks I have really ramped it up and I am taking inspired action to make a difference. I feel like I am floating I tell you
Great post and good on you!
Renee x
Bra Queen recently posted..WELCOME TO BRA QUEEN xx
That’s wonderful to hear Renee.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
Wonderful
Neen recently posted..Tuesdays…just a ramble post really…
Loved this post. So true and so worth the reminder!
A lot of what you shared really resonated with me and what’s been happening in my world so it’s always great to read the reminders.
..and you’re right. I think bloggers are in a position to influence a community of people and its so lovely to see you doing that in such a positive manner.
Love your work!
xxx
Lynne @ Mumma Funk recently posted..How to Really Love a Child
Thanks Lynne.
I guess to me it comes down to ‘with much power comes much Responsibilty,’ and we have a duty to show compassion to everyone we share the earth with.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
Don’t be too disheartened by other bloggers. Lots of bloggers are pretty generous types. Lots of people also are much more quiet about their giving. I share some things I do on SM if I think it will assist others or the organisation in some way, but I also come from a family where publicly discussing your generosity is considered rather shameful, and I can only presume some others feel the same.
There are stacks of ways a small blog can do something for social good too, it might not be excessive amounts but believe me, to the 4 year old child who you donate your Disney DVD to it is changing the world, even if just for two hours.
I get what you’re saying Clairey, and I don’t like to boast about the things I do either.
I guess my point was that I hear a lot of, particularly new, bloggers asking how to make money and get rich from their blog. Whilst I’m all for that, I think it needs to be balanced as well with ‘what good can I do with it’ attitude.
And I know what you mean about the four year old with the disney DVD! Makes a world of difference!
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve
I totally agree with many new blogs starting up just for monetisation and wondering if they really understand how little they may reap. Blogs are a weird thing, some start up and the writer has either got great stories to tell or an ability to tell good stories and they have much success. Others make the decision to invest an enormous amount of energy into the blog and get positive results but it is certainly not sitting down writing for half an hour and going shopping with your new found wealth!
I agree that we are rich and we can all afford $2 here and there but yes it is difficult when there are so many causes out there that need help. You really can’t say yes to everyone so I think it is important that you feel comfortable with what you choose to support without feeling guilty for those that you don’t. I agree with Claire too that many are generous without saying much and some are more generous with their time, not just their money. And sometimes it is about being generous with your words, your insights, your empathy, expertise or understanding. There are many ways a blog can help and it doesn’t have to be a big blog with lots of readers to have a positive effect on people. Thanks Jess x
Martine@themodernparent recently posted..An Internet Contract for families: teaching our kids to play safe
Martine I couldn’t agree more!
The reality is we cannot give to every charity that asks of it, and there should be no guilt if we can’t.
I really hope this post didn’t lay any guilt. That wasn’t my intention at all.
For me it’s just been about changing my mindset as much as anything. Becoming generous I’m every area, with money or sharing of wisdom and advice. It’s about a lifestyle I think.
Jess@Essentially Jess recently posted..It’s Better to Give Than Recieve