Keith JonesFebruary 24, 2016

People with the most loving and giving nature are those who serve others. There is something about how they see the world and treat other people. For them life presents countless opportunities to grow and make a difference for others. When they see suffering or injustice, they do more than observe and talk about it. They look for ways to eliminate it and act accordingly.

As a kid growing up in the south, I went to church several days a week. Our church taught us that we each have a duty to help others have a better life experience. We read to senior citizens in assisted living facilities, gave clothes to kids who needed them and helped families going through financial hardships. At school we did fundraisers food drives to help people in the community. Thanks to some compassionate and loving adults, giving back became a part of me.

While I’ve enjoyed helping others, I wasn’t always present to how doing so affected me emotionally. I thought it was just something you do. It wasn’t until I was on the receiving end of people’s kindness that I felt the power of giving. At age 13, we had a domestic violence situation in our home. My mom’s coworker took us in with no questions asked. We stayed with her for a month. Not once did she ask questions about the incident, judge my stepfather for the physical abuse or make my mom wrong for choosing to go back to him. Instead, she gave us unconditional love. It was the most beautiful act of kindness I’d seen. It touched me deeply. And it was this event of being on the receiving end of giving that makes me want to contribute to others.

At ToBeRe… and 2BeRe University, we continue the great work of serving others. From helping each other move to helping someone recover physically after surgery or emotionally after a personal setback or loss, we are there. In all cases, we show up with a giving heart.

To be happy and live a truly fulfilling life, create a purpose that goes beyond serving yourself. Give and serve others unconditionally.

Keith