Just wondering, does a person derive the same psychological benefit from charitable contributions that are set up to be paid automatically every month, as payments that are made by writing out a separate check each and every month?
What a great question - and the researchers in this study asked people to donate every day (so it was mindful - not scheduled). My intuition is that automatic donations might not be as beneficial - but I wonder if the charity then sent a reminder if that would create a similar positive feeling? GREAT question!!!
This reminds me of that story about the one starfish on the beach. The boy was unable to put back the hundreds of starfish that were perishing on the sand, but he was able to make a small difference by helping at least some of them.
I've been on the receiving end and giving end of charity and financial help. As grateful as I was for food stamps when I was a single mom of three school-aged kids, I get more satisfaction from donating. Like the 12 packages of chicken gizzards (that were mistakenly included in my daughter's grocery delivery order) to a local food place. It's called FK Your Diet, which stands for Foster Kids. Not what you're thinking!! LOL They're set up like a lunch counter and restaurant and feed people for free.
I also donate small amounts, like $5 and $10, to independent media and grassroots organizers. My donations can only occur with the middle-of-the-month paycheck because all of my 1st-of-the-month paycheck goes to rent. Sometimes I think my paltry donation really doesn't change anything. But there are a lot more of us than billionaires and corporations, so just like the many starfish on the beach, maybe we can make a difference.
I love all of those examples of how small donations (chicken gizzards, grassroots organizers, etc.) can make a big difference - to others AND to you! And the starfish story is a perfect illustration ... it may not change the world, but making some difference still matters.
I can say that the times I have donated, be it money, food during the holidays, or dropping items off at Goodwill or Salvation Army, I have definitely felt good doing so, proud, like I was behaving responsibly as a fellow human. But...I don't donate regularly. And I don't always follow through even when deeply inspired to donate to an important cause. I'm not sure why that is! For a handful of years now, I've said I wanted to volunteer my time to a cause that's important to me...haven't done that, either. I think I need to have a sit down with myself. :-/
Great insight, Terri ... and certainly you are not alone in sometimes fail to follow through on your good intentions (I am still really trying to adopt a habit of reading before bed - which I know is good for me and for my sleep)! But being mindful of what does make you feel good might be helpful in prompting some action?!?
I think humans are ultra social creatures. Either our creator if you believe in God or evolution made us that way. We need each other.
Giving and receiving increases the well being of both. I also believe a regular practice of gratitude helps increase my happiness and appreciation for life. Even on my worst days, there is something to be thankful for.
As both a financial donor and volunteer of time, I know that giving either can be very gratifying experience. Making a difference in things we care about is a worthwhile accomplishment.
This is positive news as I question all the political solicitations for $5 and that they matter. I've found I much prefer to give directly now to causes. Think you might like knowing about Kiva and microloans direct to people. I wrote about it here: https://smallactsofsupport.substack.com/p/3-become-a-bank
I'd never heard of Kiva - but this is a great program that is clearly a win/win! Thanks for sharing (and so glad you are already putting this strategy into practice).
Just wondering, does a person derive the same psychological benefit from charitable contributions that are set up to be paid automatically every month, as payments that are made by writing out a separate check each and every month?
I had the same question and it sounds like a good option for future research.
Yes! Absolutely!
What a great question - and the researchers in this study asked people to donate every day (so it was mindful - not scheduled). My intuition is that automatic donations might not be as beneficial - but I wonder if the charity then sent a reminder if that would create a similar positive feeling? GREAT question!!!
This reminds me of that story about the one starfish on the beach. The boy was unable to put back the hundreds of starfish that were perishing on the sand, but he was able to make a small difference by helping at least some of them.
I've been on the receiving end and giving end of charity and financial help. As grateful as I was for food stamps when I was a single mom of three school-aged kids, I get more satisfaction from donating. Like the 12 packages of chicken gizzards (that were mistakenly included in my daughter's grocery delivery order) to a local food place. It's called FK Your Diet, which stands for Foster Kids. Not what you're thinking!! LOL They're set up like a lunch counter and restaurant and feed people for free.
I also donate small amounts, like $5 and $10, to independent media and grassroots organizers. My donations can only occur with the middle-of-the-month paycheck because all of my 1st-of-the-month paycheck goes to rent. Sometimes I think my paltry donation really doesn't change anything. But there are a lot more of us than billionaires and corporations, so just like the many starfish on the beach, maybe we can make a difference.
I love all of those examples of how small donations (chicken gizzards, grassroots organizers, etc.) can make a big difference - to others AND to you! And the starfish story is a perfect illustration ... it may not change the world, but making some difference still matters.
I can say that the times I have donated, be it money, food during the holidays, or dropping items off at Goodwill or Salvation Army, I have definitely felt good doing so, proud, like I was behaving responsibly as a fellow human. But...I don't donate regularly. And I don't always follow through even when deeply inspired to donate to an important cause. I'm not sure why that is! For a handful of years now, I've said I wanted to volunteer my time to a cause that's important to me...haven't done that, either. I think I need to have a sit down with myself. :-/
Great insight, Terri ... and certainly you are not alone in sometimes fail to follow through on your good intentions (I am still really trying to adopt a habit of reading before bed - which I know is good for me and for my sleep)! But being mindful of what does make you feel good might be helpful in prompting some action?!?
I think humans are ultra social creatures. Either our creator if you believe in God or evolution made us that way. We need each other.
Giving and receiving increases the well being of both. I also believe a regular practice of gratitude helps increase my happiness and appreciation for life. Even on my worst days, there is something to be thankful for.
I love that sentiment - even on my worst days, there is something to be thankful for! So true (and also so easy to forget).
As both a financial donor and volunteer of time, I know that giving either can be very gratifying experience. Making a difference in things we care about is a worthwhile accomplishment.
Great point about both forms of giving ... and how investing in things we care about really matters in terms of well-being.
This is positive news as I question all the political solicitations for $5 and that they matter. I've found I much prefer to give directly now to causes. Think you might like knowing about Kiva and microloans direct to people. I wrote about it here: https://smallactsofsupport.substack.com/p/3-become-a-bank
I'd never heard of Kiva - but this is a great program that is clearly a win/win! Thanks for sharing (and so glad you are already putting this strategy into practice).
Hello, this is just a quick reminder that I am grateful that me and my mindset have you in our lives... and guess what, my gratitude is good for my heart! https://superage.com/the-science-of-how-gratitude-affects-the-heart/
Thank you for these kind words! And your words of gratitude are good for MY happiness and health as well as yours!