"The miracle is this - the more we share, the more we have." - Leonard Nimoy, American actor, "Star Trek"

How lucky am I? Over the last couple of weeks, I have been spending time with various groups of people sharing in very positive experiences. This included a attending a conference to celebrate International Women’s Day, presenting a session for a women’s group on Motivation, co-ordinating a very interesting session for our local women’s group on Body Awareness, as well as getting together with some other coaches in Edinburgh to share tips and tools to use with our clients.

What has struck me is the willingness to share that so many of these people and groups have in common. It is like a light shining through the darkness shed by so many negative reports of how so few people consider anyone other than themselves, and how a sense of community is lacking etc. I happen to disagree with most of what I read, as I know from experience that that spirit is not lacking and if we give it a chance by sharing and collaborating, whether professionally or personally, it can bring us so many rewards.

As the song goes, “Who ya gonna call?” Who do you know who could help you? (Ghostbusters!) Or even who do you know who might know someone else who could help you? Just making that one call could make all the difference to your success. Could you make progress yourself by offering your knowledge and experience to someone else? By cooperating and collaborating, not only are the rewards increased, but the load is lightened. You can share almost everything - a smile, some knowledge, a task – and by doing so you will also be opening yourself up to receiving more of the same. Try giving out as many smiles as possible this week and see how good you feel when they are returned!

Have you been putting things off because you need some more information? Or do you need someone else’s input or skills to get things going? Most people would be flattered to be asked to help, so don’t put things off any longer. You may be denying them the pleasure of contributing!

Why not consider joining up with someone else to do something active? You could join a class, go running with a buddy or even sign up with a personal trainer. It will help you to keep your motivation going, and on those days where you don’t feel like it, they can encourage you and you can do the same for them.

So many things are more pleasant when they are shared. If we have committed to do something to someone else, we are more likely to carry it through. Just make sure that what you have said you will do is what you really want to do, as you could let others down, as well as yourself. If you are unsure, you can always ask for help. What new thing can you get involved in today? Who needs your help and contribution? Seek out new opportunities to join forces with others and play a part in the creation of something innovative.

Sharing creativity brings to mind those wonderful people who get together to create something as a group. The women who stitch quilts, the children who decorate their school playgrounds with fabulous murals, a creative writing group and of course any group who creates music together! The possibilities are endless. Of course, there is nothing wrong with expressing your creativity on your own, but together you can produce something with a different dimension.

As well as asking for help, how about offering it? You will have plenty to contribute if you only just think about it. So many groups are seeking volunteers, so you could make all the difference to them if you are willing to share your knowledge, skills and time. What you have gains so much in value when you are able to share it with others.

Kate Harper
http://www.harpercoaching.com