Several years ago I received an email from best-selling author and international speaker Tony Robbins – not a ‘personal’ email I hasten to add!

He talked about how he had doubled his input in an initiative to help feed two million Americans that year, and something he said in his promotional material really resonated with me. It read: “My success in life will be based on my ability to give, not my ability to take.”

It was quite eye-opening for me, having grown up in Africa, to hear Tony Robbins, an American, speaking about how very real the issues of hunger, deprivation and poverty in America were, given how little media attention and discussion this generates.

It was also ironic that this initiative was being advertised at the same time as the North American tradition of Thanksgiving was taking place. As with Christmas and other festive events around the world, these times of the year are well known for over-consumption and waste, while many struggle.

A time when families and communities come together

The one thing I do know, is that this is one time when North American (and increasingly more British) families and communities come together and celebrate so many good things. I wish that all of us could live ‘Thanksgiving’ 365 days a year, rather than just one day.

Our overall wellbeing is so much more than what we achieve in the gym. I like to think of it as ‘the four Fs’. Many of you are likely on a path to improving your life through some of these elements:
• Finances: job/business
• Fr’amily: relationships with family and friends
• Fitness: taking care of your body through exercise, sleep and good nutrition
• Faith: taking care of your spiritual wellbeing and mental health

It’s true that if your physical body is taken care of, it will perform, endure and enable you to navigate your journey through life. But I think this special time of year reminds us that there is more to life than exercise.

As humans, we feel a sense of fulfilment when helping and giving to others. As Christmas draws nearer, friends and family gather, some enjoying precious moments together, others saying their goodbyes.

I hope we all use this time to give of ourselves those things which are really important – our time, attention, courtesy, respect and love. Giving gifts, anonymous or expected, is a generous thing to do, but during this tricky period we’re all navigating when perhaps we can’t splash the cash, maybe offering our presence instead of presents will mean so much more.

Help yourself by helping others

Whether volunteering with a charity or supporting a friend, studies show that offering help makes us feel good. So why not be a bit selfish this Christmas and help yourself by helping others? It’s a win-win!

In December 2013, the world lost an icon who gave the best of himself so that all people would know the dignity of being truly free. All around us we see, hear or read examples of men and women from every nation who have chosen to give, rather than to take.

Let’s keep that in mind this festive season and see if our actions can not only improve our own wellbeing, but that of friends, family and strangers.

Happy Christmas!