Denton County Living Well Magazine January/February 2018 | Page 25

whatever I could manage, I called my brother to help me. I guess I was too prideful to reach out to anyone else around me for help. My brother immediately came to my aide and brought me groceries! It was the kindest gift of generosity for which I will always be thankful. Telling this story is being very trans- parent and I believe it’s important to share our success, and hardships with each other because it causes us to connect and relate. We all need each other and we all need the gift of generosity in our lives. Generosity is a wonderful therapeu- tic approach to “torching” being self-centered. In our society it is so easy to always put self first, not making time for oth- ers, or having basic kindness and consideration for others. The next time you feel you are self-absorbed and a bit cranky, look for someone to give the gift of generosity to. You will come away with more reward and emotion- al gratitude than the person you took the time for. Make this winter season the best outward expression of love yet…the gift of generosity! It will com- pel you to look outward for needs of others instead of inward to self and bring a refreshing to your heart. If you find yourself too focused on “you” and a bit selfish these days, look for an op- portunity to be generous. Generosity is the opposite of selfishness. When I have a client come to me with a de- sire to work on their character and they admit to being more selfish than necessary, I suggest helping at a food pantry, volunteering at animal shelter, visiting elderly in assisted living, or volunteering at a hospital. Hope you have wonderful holidays filled with the laughter and joy of friends, family and even the new friends you meet maybe along the roadside or volunteering! Georgia Smith, MA, LPC-S is in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and marriage and family. She is also an author of two books and a public speaker. Georgia may be reached at 469-855-0256 or via email [email protected]. www.counselingbygeorgia.com. HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE Trauma care in Denton and the surrounding area has reached new heights. Medical City Denton is the first and only Level II Trauma Center in Denton County. This means a higher standard of emergency medical care for the most extreme injuries. For more information visit MedicalCityDenton.com DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 23