Giving has been part of Nicholas Kyriacopoulos’ philosophy for as far back as he can remember. Much of that attitude was cultivated under the care of his parents. Strong work ethics combined with compassion for others taught him the value of being an active force for good within the community. If you would like to follow that example, there are ways to develop a similar spirit within yourself and find ways to give back. Here are some suggestions to help you get started.
Cultivating Compassion Within Your Heart
A strong affinity for others makes it all the easier to feel compassion for what’s happening in their lives. Growing up in a diverse setting, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos had the benefit of being exposed to multiple cultures and learned how to appreciate them. Along the way, he also developed a compassion for those who were in all sorts of walks of life.
Why does compassion matter? If often opens the door to empathy, which in turn makes it all the easier to give with a joyful heart. When you feel for others, it’s much easier to put yourself in their shoes and see the world as they see it. The insights make it possible to understand where needs exist and what can be done to meet them.
Beginning With Those Who are Close By
There has to be a starting point for all things, and that includes giving. One suggestion that Nicholas Kyriacopoulos often provides is to look to those who are closest to you and see what can be done for them. Often, needs remain unexpressed for a variety of reasons. It’s only by looking a little closer that they may become apparent.
This is often the easiest way to cultivate a desire for giving. There’s already an emotional bond with those closest to you. Use that bond to do for them as you can, even as what you learn prepares you to spread that net of compassion a little wider. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos found as he became an adult, there is a lot that can be done.
Expanding Your Actions into the Local Community
The time will come when you look beyond those you know and begin to consider the needs of those who you don’t know personally. At that point, you begin to think in terms of what could benefit an entire community. This is part of what has been behind the efforts of Nicholas Kyriacopoulos to construct affordable housing in areas where none existed or the resources that were present were inadequate.
This is sometimes a difficult step to take, since it means going into an unknown territory. You encounter people who may be different from those you’ve known before. Even so, they are those who live in the same city and maybe even just a few blocks away. Once that first step is taken, subsequent steps will be easier.
Considering How to Accomplish the Most Good With the Resources at Hand
Few people have unlimited resources to help others. That often means attempting to find ways to use what one has to accomplish the most good. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will point out, the first idea that comes to mind may or may not be the best one in terms of meeting needs in the wider community.
For example, donating food to a food bank is wonderful, since it does meet needs. What many may not know is that donating money instead allows food banks to purchase greater quantities of food using discounts provided by manufacturers and other entities. Parks built near schools may provide recreational activities for more children than buying athletic equipment for a local school. It’s up to you to find the means of doing the most good with what you can afford to give.
Being Open to Learning More About the Plight of Others
When people ask about giving, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos often tells them to get out and experience the many cultures and kinds of people that are around. This often means having to step out of a carefully cultivated personal world and into one that may be very different. At times, there may seem to be nothing in common with those other people. Even so, the fact that everyone one is a human being is enough of a connection.
Learning more about what others face each day often provides inspiration for what can be done to make life better. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos learned, enough food to eat and a place to live were not the only needs that could be met. Investments in educational facilities, equipment, and supplies could also make a huge difference to the quality of life. By learning more about where schools lacked support, it was easier to figure out how to provide some of that support.
Remember that all efforts at giving don’t have to be outwardly fantastic. At times, seemingly small gestures make a big difference. Never hesitate to make them when you have the means. At the same time, be willing to participate in more comprehensive projects when and as you can. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will attest, both bring a sense of accomplishment.
These are some basics to help you get started. As you put them to good use, there will be more questions that lead you to search for additional answers. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will point out, giving is a journey rather than an event. Keep on the road and you will find more ways to give and help the world be a better place.
