Giving back: It’s a Broad World after all.

Gratitude.

I’m told it will fill me with happiness, and make me feel more present. I’m also told my generation is entitled, we don’t appreciate what’s given to us, and we complain about every little thing that goes wrong. “First world problems” and all of that…

I never thought I felt that way. In fact, I was sure I knew my luck. How could I not? I live in a peaceful country, I was given a full education, I was surrounded by loving family and friends, and given opportunities to travel, explore outside, learn an art, play on a team, eat well and on and on and on.

But, I felt compelled to start practicing gratitude. Sadly, more often than not practicing gratitude has left me feeling another G word.

Guilt.

Why me?

Why was I born to my parents? Why have I had access to vaccinations, emergency health care and educated, accessible specialists when needed? Why is my water a choice between Bedoit or tap?

And the adverse – each time I turn on my TV I can’t help but ask why them?

Why is a young mother trapped in Aleppo with her ill parents and children? Why are babies contracting HIV from their mothers without any access to treatment? Why do 42% of adult Canadians have inadequate literacy skills?

Why? We’ve done nothing differently. We’ve merely been born.

Sometimes the guilt swallows me. I’ve struggled with this feeling for a long time – I’ve beaten myself up when down. How dare I feel sad? Look how lucky I am!

The fact is: I was born as me, and they are born as them. And, being born as me gives me means to help. You reading this – being born as you gives you the means to help!

I invite you to join me on February 9^th in support Save the Children and the incredible work they do. Event details are HERE.

A big thank you to a few of our sponsors so far:

Disclaimer: I am very grateful. For everyone and everything I have. I’m also grateful that I have the power to help those who can’t help themselves.

Stef @ Broad World