giving – Page 2 – Jenna Jamieson, Author

Respect, Kindness, & Tolerance…this Christmas season!

By Jenna Jamieson | December 11, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

I am finishing a book that I can’t wait to share with everyone because it revolves around helping others, kindness, and giving back. This has inspired me to share a post about respect, kindness, and tolerance which I think is especially important and critical to remember during the Christmas season. Christmas while fun is often a time of stress for many. It can be stressful to prepare for all the holiday festivities and parties, expensive to buy presents for everyone on your list, and it can be emotional or sad for those that have loved ones that are no longer here to celebrate with them.

As we move into this season of giving I hope we can also be mindful of those around us. While we may have different views, religious beliefs, and even traditions I hope that each person remembers to be respectful, kind, and tolerant of others. We don’t have to share the same views, go to the same church, or have the same traditions to be diplomatic, respectful, kind, and tolerant. That means we wish each other well and say, “Merry Christmas” to all.

This may seem like a simple post or even a “non health” related post, but in actuality it is a post that focuses on our spiritual, emotional, and social well-being. We accept others for who they are, we reach out to others to say “Merry Christmas” to include all, and we remember that different Christmas celebrations is what makes the world so beautiful.

So I challenge you to embrace each other through respect, kindness, and tolerance this Christmas season! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night (and year)!

~jj

#ProjectKindnessBook

#AlwaysChooseKindness

Tis the season to help others, donate, & give!

By Jenna Jamieson | November 29, 2013 | Comments 0 Comment

Since it’s the holiday season, I deemed it appropriate to throw in an entry that is very, very, very (shall I say VERY again to emphasize my passion) dear to my heart. While the holiday season is a great time of year, it can quickly become a very self-indulgent, over the top, season that is filled with buying the next best phone, computer, or tablet, more toys for children that have an overflowing toy box and toy room, and presents for friends that have everything they could possibly want and more. We want to buy the perfect presents for our moms and dads, brothers and sisters, cousins and children. I was as equally guilty of this at earlier times in my life, but I have come to realize that I would rather reach out to those that are less fortunate than me. The holiday season is the perfect time to reach beyond yourself and your family to touch the lives and hearts of others. This may sound silly and may not seem like a fitness tip, but when you help others it gives you that “feel good” feeling deep down that is great for your mind and body. So, while helping others, donating, and giving to those who are less fortunate may not be physical fitness and exercise, it is a wellness tip that will do a lot for your mind, heart, and emotional well-being.

The holiday season is a time of celebration and joyous occasions for most people, but there are also lots of people in the world that are less fortunate or need help. As a young adult, it is very, very, very (and yes, I shall say VERY) hard for me to watch people give thanks and appreciate their blessings on Thanksgiving Day only to become greedy, materialistic, and crabby human beings on Black Friday. I am headed into working my 4th Black Friday in retail so I do have the experience to say this! While I am not judging those around me, I am rather hoping to encourage and light a spark in others to reach out and help those around them.

I wish for others to reach within their heart and think about the kids that will wake up with no presents under the Christmas tree, cancer patients that are dying and suffering during the holidays, and soldiers, airport employees, and first responders (police officers, firefighters, hospital personnel) who are working so that everyone else can have a joyful holiday season. This seems to quickly and easily be taken for granted by everyone, including myself at times. My pledge, wish, and challenge to you is to send a care package or box to solders in need, visit http://www.anysoldier.com, which is a reliable website to send care packages to soldiers who are serving overseas. Find an Angel tree and fill shoe boxes for children who otherwise will have no Christmas presents under the tree this holiday season or take freshly baked cookies, pies, and other treats to your local first responders to show them how much you appreciate their hard work during a season that is filled with chaos and stress for them. Or even consider donating your hair if you don’t have the money to spend toward children and soldiers. You can visit http://www.facebook.com/Beautifullengths8 for more information.

So, when you leave your house today, remember that one small thing to help others may actually be something that helps you as well! Cheers to donating, giving, helping, and changing the lives of others. And from me to you, I hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

~jj