Time and money; money and time.

It’s a seemingly perpetual circle: When we have plenty of one, we always end up scrambling to find more of the other.

But what about having enough of both at the same time?

Depending on your outlook on life, I’d challenge that if you have a roof over your head, feel love from family/friends, are in decent health, can eat when you’re hungry, walk down the street free from fear of violence/protest, and enjoy a range of pleasures from simple to extravagant, then you have all of the time and money you need.

Gone in an Instant

Notice how nothing in the list above touched on the materialistic or superficial indulgences that often fuel the outlook on life in Western societies. When it comes down to it, if you’re safe, happy, healthy, and have a place to sleep each night, you’re doing pretty damn well in the race of life.

But what about having all of that one day then waking to find it ripped away from you the next? In the wake of natural and violence-driven disasters, this is a reality for far too many people around the world.

The next time you wake up, stretch sleepily, and slip your feet out of the covers to stand, imagine what it would be like to not have that floor below your feet or those sheets to climb out of. The next time you hug your friend, imagine what it would be like to never see him or her again. Take a look out the window of your home/car/office–what if the landscape you unknowingly enjoy each day was wrought with burning buildings, mud slides and rubble?

Volunteering Your Time and Money

As I type this post, I’m currently bouncing with excitement as I wait to find out if I’ll be headed to the Philippines to assist with disaster relief efforts there.

Given the massive, extensive destruction that has occurred after Typhoon Haiyan, I couldn’t think of a better way to help people in need by volunteering my time and money to help the people of the Philippines (If I go, I pay for all travel costs, and I’d be certain to donate more money than I already have to the various organizations already doing amazing things there).

Over the past 10.5 months of this year, I’ve gone through some significant personal and professional changes, and I’m now beginning to realize the impact these changes have made in my life.Gone are the days of trying to keep up with the Jones; gone are the days of slaving away as I try to climb the corporate ladder.

Now that I’ve finally found the elusive balance I’ve sought in my life all these years, I want to make sure I’m living my life as my most authentic self. Part of doing so is to ensure I’m paying my blessings forward–blessings of both time and money. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

Volunteer Inspiration

Regardless of being selected to head to assist with disaster relief efforts, I want to challenge you to critically examine the areas in your life where you can make changes in order to feel richer with the time and money you already have.

Once you realize your blessings, don’t stop there–continue to search within yourself in an effort to identify ways you can make a difference by volunteering your time and money. I’d imagine that with a wee bit of soul searching, you’ll find that you’re in quite a good place and have far more to give than you ever realized.

No matter what constraints or challenges you’re facing, there is always room to find a way to give back to those who need it most. Stop making the excuses that I made for years and start living an authentic, balanced life of your own.  

What’s stopping you?