I believe when we were taught to share as young toddlers, it was one of the most important lessons of our life. If one is willing to share their time, knowledge, and love, those around them grow and they are able to be lifted to the next level if they so desire.

Time

Sharing one’s time is priceless.  We have 24 hours in a day.  We can’t buy more time, we can only extend deadlines. When someone generously gives the gift of their time, it is often meaningful in unspoken ways.  I am thinking about the gift of giving one’s time to someone who is sick or recovering, to someone who is not able to leave their house, to someone in need, or to a child or friend who could use some attention.  Taking time to mentor a coworker or friend and finding the joy in seeing others succeed. 

Too many times I have read the regrets of successful people who have wished they had taken the time to enjoy their family.  Sharing one’s time with others develops relationships that money can’t buy.  Serving others is a gift.  The gift is only unwrapped if one is willing to relax and take the time to share one’s self with others. 

Knowledge

One of the things that I am most proud of throughout my career is that I have never been afraid to share my knowledge with others.  Often there is a fear involved in sharing the tricks of the trade.  As a manager, I have always believed in cross-training and mentoring people for my position.  I feel that training others in the non-confidential areas of my job gave me an opportunity to have someone ready for my position so that I was available to move up the ladder.  It also meant that when people were out on vacation or sick time, the department was able to manage the workload more productively.  I think sharing knowledge within the company makes employees more valuable and increases the job satisfaction levels of the employees. 

At times it is faster to do everything yourself.  It is not necessarily easier, but often faster. It takes time, patience, and perseverance to cross-train employees. It is not always easy to explain to employees why it’s important for them to both share their skills with others and to learn new skills from their coworkers.  The benefits become increasingly clear when the department starts running as a team and when employees return from vacation with a less-than-normal backlog of work.

It is equally important to share knowledge with your family.  I share non-confidential information with my children.  I work at including my kids in most decisions and challenges that arise.  As the adult in charge, I have the final vote, but oftentimes I learn from their perspectives.  My children are a part of most family decisions because they will be living with the consequences, good or bad. If we make the right decision, they get to be part of the joy of making a good decision.  If it’s a bad decision, they are less likely to complain.  Sharing one’s knowledge teaches the individuals in your family how to make efficient and effective decisions.

Love

Having love in one’s heart for others is a very powerful tool.  When one sets their mind to sharing love with those around them, hope prevails.  I pray that love will shine through and that I will be helpful to those in my path.  I will be aware of those who are in need of some extra kindness and that the love will be contagious.  I choose love. 

The United States is at a critical point.  Each person has to do their part to unify the nation and world.  It is up to each individual as to how one will respond to the events in the future.  I feel as a nation and world that we need to find peace and get back to the mindset of sharing.  Sharing our time, knowledge, and love.  I pray for a world that shares hope, love, and peace. 

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