the belle lumiere

As I mentioned recently, one of my goals for next year is to join and regularly start donating to a charity that I believe in. Em from Em’s Charity Kiss has written an inspiring guest post to encourage us all (including me) to step up and do what we can for charity

Usually at this time of the year, people start making lists of goals they would like to reach for the next year. It’s usually things about weight, giving up bad habits or learning how to sew on a button. But another ambition is also popular on people’s new year to-do list – donating, or actively contributing to a charity or charity organisation. Charity is one of those weird concepts in modern culture that can have both positive and negative connotations. Modern society as a whole is more sceptical about people’s underlying intentions and motivations for participating in charitable acts. However, committing to a charity is still one of the most rewarding things you can do. Charity is the ultimate expression of compassion, and more importantly, of selflessness. It’s an act of both empathy and altruism. We don’t necessarily do it to get something out of it, other than a sense that for one moment we were able to put other people before ourselves. But making the decision to contribute to charity can also have more personal benefits.

I’ve never been as actively involved in a charity as I have been since starting EmsCharityKiss to help support OneInFive, and to promote awareness for those living with mental illness. I have always tried to be charitable in the past, but for the first time this was me putting myself out on a limb and sharing my own experiences to help bring attention to the cause. It felt as though I was reconciling with a part of me that was so hard to deal with alone, and through that I would more importantly get to help others. While you may decide not to plunge headfirst into revealing your personal life to help a charity (it’s scary!) the decision to try to provide assistance to those in need in any way, shape or form is a decision that should be applauded. You will be so, so glad you made the choice to do it!

- Em

I would also like to note that there are other ways to donate to charity in place of a monetary donations. You can donate your time and your energy to a cause, or even do something as simple as regularly donating blood. So what are we waiting for? Personally, I have decided to join the RSPCA, and will do so at the beginning of next year. I will keep you updated on my progress, and how being part of the charity effects my life!