Day of Goodwill, 26 December, South Africa - What is goodwill?
87
December 26, known as Boxing Day, became the Day of Goodwill in South Africa in 1994 when Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) came into power to make Apartheid forever a regime of the past.
Day of Goodwill, honored on December 26th, is meant to be a day to give to those who are less fortunate.
Giving to the poor is associated with material matters such as money, clothes, food, et cetera. Giving these things away is not necessary an act of goodwill. Most of the time we give things away because we don't need it any more. We want to get rid of it, like leftovers we give to dogs. Giving is often only a selfish act in order to meet our personal goals, or simply to feel better about ourselves, or to salve our conscience.
In true Goodwill the act of giving is rooted in the golden rule: Love-your-neighbor-AS-you-love-yourself."
Altruism opposed to egoism.
Goodwill opposed to badwill.
The badwill in our humane nature to take and keep (land, material stuff and against their wishes animals and people) is rooted in the indestructible human urge called Greed - the more we take and keep the more we want to keep.
In our primordial state of being we don’t care about those who are not as fortunate as us. "Only the strong survive," is the basic rule of Nature. Why care about anybody but ourselves when we are struggling to keep ourselves out of the slumps... those dreaded slumps we fear. To survive is one of our primary urges; greed enforces this urge to encourage us to live in comfort and luxury.
We cannot kill our urges; we can only control them.
To give in goodwill is an ability and a habit to be acquired and a goal to be accomplished. Look at the toddler – he is not able to share; his toys are his toys, his mom belongs only to him... It takes time and patience to teach him how to share and give. If he does not learn how to share and give at a very early stage of his life, he will never be able to share and give without feeling uncomfortable and aggrieve, unless he share and give selfishly in order to meet his personal goals and objectives.
If our souls are oceans, goodwill should be an enormous iceberg with a visible tip, and not only a floating visible piece of ice ready to melt in the heat of the sun.
According to dictionaries Goodwill is –
- A disposition to kindness and compassion;
- In accounting it is an intangible asset valued according to the advantage or reputation a business has acquired over and above its tangible assets.
Is our goodwill a disposition to kindness and compassion?
Is our goodwill our reputation of kindness and compassion?
Goodwill - a poem
♥
Goodwill is our hope
for all to move upwards and not aslope.
It's our intangible asset -
Our reputation, our sparkling facet.
♥
In goodwill we show kindness,
compassion, profoundness.
Goodwill is our beauty and elegance -
the depth of our intelligence.
-----------------------------------------------------------
IN THE RHYTHM OF A TANKA -
Goodwill is our hope
for all to flourish and live –
Our intangible
asset and reputation,
our sparkling facet: Goodwill.
.
In goodwill we’re kind
compassionate giving souls;
Pure divinity,
proof of human intellect,
is the Goodwill we practice.
.
Relevant quotes -
- Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. ~ Jesus (Matthew 7:12)
- You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give ~ Kahlil Gibran ”
- No one has ever become poor by giving. ~ Anne Frank.
- Give what you have to somebody; it may be better than you think. ~ Henry W. Longfellow.
- Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do. Because then they will act ~ Jack Welch.
- Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go. ~ Mother Teresa
- When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous. ~ Wayne Dyer
I wish you all a prosperous 2012. May goodwill become as solid as an iceberg in our nature, so whatever we give, whether a smile, a favour, our time, a piece of bread, a pair of shoes, money or clothes, may it emerges from the bottom of our souls.
© Martie Coetser
Hubs about giving in goodwill
- Jandee - A cold christmas day in Island of Jersey
A peep into 1974 I remember it was snowing still. It had snowed for a few days and was thick on the ground. The streets were icy and slippery and I just didn't want to go out. No matter how much planning and...
 | Amazon Price: $59.95 List Price: $110.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $19.76 List Price: $28.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.14 List Price: $14.95 |
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (8)
- Funny (1)
- Awesome (10)
- Beautiful (13)
- Interesting (3)
CommentsLoading...
beautiful and inspiring Martie God Bless
*** jandee – Your inspiring comment is much appreciated.
*** vietnamvet68 – Thanks, my dear friend. His blessings to you too.
This hub is beautiful, inspiring, elegant and classy.
Like you, Martie, like you!
drbj – thank you, Ma’am. I feel honored to have a wise lady and accomplished intellectual like you as a friend. Your comments means a lot to me.
A truly wonderful message filled with beautiful and inspiring thoughts aplenty!
God bless you Martie.
richtwf – Thanks for understanding the importance of goodwill with me. I truly believe this world will be a haven if each and every one has a disposition to kindness and compassion. But of cause this is only wishful thinking. Thanks for coming by. Enjoy this last few days of 2010.
This is a beautiful Hub, and so glad a day dedicated to the focus of one man knocking another to the ground, was converted to a day of goodwill. Thanks for giving props to the less fortunate. :0)
Hi, this is lovely, I never knew that your country had changed it to this day, giving is a wonderful thing if it comes from the soul and heart, a great new year to you, Martie, take care nell
Wonderful, inspiring hub. Giving is such a wonderful thing to do and you wrote a beautiful hub. Rated up.
*** LillyGrillzit – Fear of poverty is one of our primary fears. In cooperation with greed it can turn people into unscrupulous beings, knocking others to the ground as far as they move up to that ultimate level of comfort and luxury. And so many never get that doomed day scheduled for dogs. May 2011 contains only prosperity for you and your loved-ones.
*** Nell Rose – Don’t feel bad, even I can’t keep track of all the changes they make. I wish you only the best for 2011, and don't forget how special you are for me and many others in Hubland.
*** Pamela99 – you must be a very gentle and motherly person, for you provoked – and not for the first time - a specific emotion in me – the one you get when you’re upset and your mother comforts you with a loving hug and you think: “Wonderful to know I’m being loved by the most important woman in my life.” May 2011 be one of your best years ever, my friend.
In my observation, the entire world could use a lot more true 'good will' but in too many nations greed wins out, it becomes an us against them mentality, a survival of the fittest mentality has been allowed to rule, with the help of marketers who wish to sell us something, and they have become the merchants of greed. Great hub.
BobbiRant – The IQ of a crowd equals the IQ of the individual with the lowest IQ. That is why I know I will not live long enough to see any progress in the mentality of crowds/nations. Too many people in this world are mentally and emotionally still like babies and toddlers. Perhaps this is the limitation of Homo sapiens. Free spirits, who live like eagles on the highest rocky ridges, looking down on the crowds of this world, seeing what the individuals in the crowds cannot see, will always be the minority. Bobby, may 2011 be one of your best years. Thanks so much for you thought-provoking comment.
Oh my dear dear friend, I can hear your passion in this hub, the message was very clear and appricated. This is the true gift of kindness, love and support. Somehow we must all do this for each other, all the time, I wish you the best New Year and let's do more for awareness. Love this hub and your fan and friend, peace & love darski rate up
Very inspiring hub. You made this so beautiful, lots of spiritual side. Thank you very much. I give my vote to you.
Blessing and hugs,
I love your association with the divine flame of intelligence. Inspiring!
*** Darlene Sabella – I believe we are practicing goodwill to each other all the time. We are feeding each other’s hungry (for knowledge and wisdom) souls, we are healing each other’s wounds, we burn haunting skeletons in each other’s closets to ashes, oh I can continue for a long time with this. Honestly, darski, I experience only goodwill from all of you. May 2011 be a year filled with delighting surprises just for you.
*** prasetio30 – my dear friend, I’m so glad you found this hub inspiring. I am sure you are practicing only goodwill everyday of your life. May all your wishes come true in 2011.
chspublish – I love that phrase. It was one of those surprise productions of the brain. Did you ever experience this: Out of the blue you say something extremely well, and you look up and ask: “Who put the words in my mouth?” Lol! I just love words. May you have a most prosperous 2011.
Beautiful hub and such a powerful and inspiring message. Thanks for sharing this hub and may you have a wonderful 2011 as well.
...thank you so much for this education and that lovely photograph - what I always admire about you is how you promote goodwill in your hubs and that makes you a true humanitarian in my humble book and a gift to all of us here at the Hub to be able to know you!
"...that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" is one of the quotes that leaves me unable to break free of those I try to help. How does a person honor the goodwill principal of altruism and maintain their own life through assertiveness? My biggest problem is the boundary between the two and I continue to struggle with my conscience. Beautiful, spiritual, idealistic, inspiring writing, Martie, and a topic everyone should explore within themselves. Thank you
*** rpalulis – Thank you for coming over. I wish you all of the best for 2011 and many opportunities to practice goodwill. A Smile from a stranger is often all somebody need to cope with a crisis.
*** epigramman – thank you so much for your kind words. It is my privilege to know all of you. My wish for you out of my heart is only prosperity for 2011. May no adversaries whatsoever deprives you from peace and joy.
Amy Becherer – I thought about you and your neighbor a lot since you’ve published that hub about her, and I was waiting for an opportunity to remind you of your own passionate altruistic nature. You will not be happy if you ignore that woman. You will blame yourself forever if she dies and leave you with the idea that you did not give her everything you were able to give. I would like to suggest that you tell her nicely what you are willing and able to do for her, and if she wants more, you can help her find someone who can give it to her. She may not put you in a position where you have to struggle with negative thoughts about loving your neighbor as you love yourself. The practicing of this goodwill is supposed to fill us with joy, and not anger and guilt. I appreciate your friendship very much, Amy, and I wish you all of the very best for 2011.
Thank you, Marti. As you know, your beautiful work speaks to me. I hoped you would see, and I now know that you do, the dichotomy in my struggle with my conscience in "living my life" at the expense of any other person. I find it impossible. And, despite my agony over this issue, there are good moments that leave me feeling better for doing the right thing. But, as you say, alone it is too consuming and I see some progress in her willingness to help me, help her. I am so grateful for those like you in the world, because only in understanding is there a chance for change. Love you, my friend.
Amy Becherer – you are on the right track. You are able to understand yourself – your thoughts and actions - and you can write them down and analyze them on your computer screen. We are only supporting you while you are feeling (in the darkness of the future) the right place on the track for your next step. I’m proud to be your friend. You are not a looser. Hugs for you, Amy!
Buttons are danced on! I love you Martie! This is so excellent! I sure love this hub! Great work my Dear! God bless you!
Hello Martie, your Goodwill hub' kinda'hit me between the eyes,just this morning,i put six electric blankets in the Helping Hand container,now, did i give them because i wanted to get rid of them,yes,did i give them because i wanted to give to the needy,yes,but your point is well taken.The bad thing is i've had them in a closet for years,when i moved this summer,i thought, what in the world am i keeping these for,my point being,we have to become more aware and thank God ,i have.Articles like this helps us to become more aware.Thank you Martie.I love you and your heart.
God Bless.
Just beautiful. I had goosebumps reading this hub. I find that i'm slowly falling in love with you and your beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing.
PS: This is definitely one for the KT awards 2011.
You absolutely do have a beautiful soul and I always appreciate and love your words. Thank you.
*** Micky Dee – I am truly happy because you love this one. You have such a kind heart. I’m sending you a big hug with speed-mail. God bless Micky!
*** always exploring – Of course we will always give things away because we don’t need it anymore, and we know it will be appreciated by the receiver, therefore we don’t burn it. But when true goodwill becomes a habit, we will, when we have only two eggs, give one to somebody who has no eggs. Not so easy to practice. Don’t you think I have mastered this habit. Beggars, for example, irritate me tremendously and I feel guilty about this. Why don’t they register at the local welfare and assist the welfare to raise funds and goods for them? There are so many projects Welfare can launch with the assistance of those who need support. Why don’t they do it? I have respect for street artists. At least they use their talents, posing like statues in the hot son, or playing their instruments, every day for at least eight hours. We also have poor people watching our cars while we do shopping, and this resulted into a major decrease in car thefts and the stealing of things inside cars. Perhaps I should give them bigger tips from now on. Anyway, I think each of us will find a way to practice goodwill seriously in 2011. May it be a joyful and prosperous year for you, my dearest Ruby. You are special to many of us.
*** kirutaye - what a nice comment out of your heart. I truly hope you manage to break through the surface of publisher’s whims with your novel. Please don’t allow them to discourage you. Try to fulfill their needs and you will become one of the best authors in that genre you’ve chosen. May 2011 be your year of arrival in the world of pro-novelists.
acaetnna – I do have some back spots in this soul of mine – impatience with unqualified people in professional positions, inability to tolerate adults who act like toddlers, absolute contempt for narrow-minded people, manipulators and backstabbers, et cetera. But I’m trying to accommodate them. After all they really don’t know what they are doing to themselves and others. May all your wishes come true in 2011, especially those involving the man you love.
What a wonderful gift you have just given us all here at the hubs. Your generosity is soul reaching. May we all learn from this writing how to dig more into our being and hearts more than from our pockets of wealth.
Be a generous giver of oneself, money and stuff takes care of itself, but a person with no hope and a dark soul needs the tender loving care from givers of self, like Mother Teresa's of the world we should all strive to be.
Thank you Martie for touching my heart, you brought a tear to this Saddleriders eyes. Peace and hugs
saddlerider1 – My mother and one of my sisters have the extra-ordinary talent to practice goodwill. They will do things for others I don’t think I will ever be able to do. They are also the two members in our family with the most joy in their hearts. So I’ve written this hub in the first place for myself. You are the hubber who changed my perception of beggars and poor people sitting on benches, looking okay while their souls and bodies are in tatters. Without even knowing it you’ve encourage me to make the practice of goodwill one of my New Years resolutions and to write this hub. Just so you know how we encourage each other here in Hubland to change all that is negative in us to positive. Take care, my friend, you are precious to many of us.
Really beautiful and inspiring, thank you, my dear friend! We certainly need more goodwill in the world, with all the greed and acqusitiveness that is promoted by marketers and politicians.
The day is also special for me as it's my birthday! So thanks for the great birthday present!
Love and peace
Tony
tonymac04 – I believe you enjoyed a peaceful and pleasant birthday, my friend. I pray with all my heart that you will be healthy and strong for many more years. You are one of those special people who have enough love and wisdom to bestow on millions. I see in you only goodwill. I wish you the very-very best for 2011 and beyond. Lots of warm hugs from me to you.
Martie
I loved this hub. Your a lovely woman inside and out. I am honored to have read this hub. Thanks for putting my link on. I will do the same. I will put your link on my story of I want to return the favor
Healing Touch – how nice to see you! Thank you for the compliment – especially appreciated on this morning when the less lovely in me is clearly visible – because the roof we’ve allowed professional engineers to fix at outrageous costs is still leaking. I will surely feel honored with a link of this hub on that beautiful hub of yours. May all your projects of goodwill this year surpass your previous successes, my friend. You are performing soul-enriching duties – soul-enriching because it is more to the benefit of others than yourself. May your strength and health not forsake you for a single day.
MartieCoetser
Your such a light in this world. Thanks for the beautiful words. I am so sorry about your roof. I hope you don't have to pay when they have not fixed it.
May God Bless you
Healing Touch – I’ve done nothing about the roof yet. I’m just not in the mood to confront anyone at this stage of the new year. But - and I don’t know when - a specific drop of rain will come and plop on the ceiling, and it will trigger the witch in me, and I will bestride my broom...
Thanks for your kind comment my dear friend. Luv-u!
"What was known as Boxing Day became the Day of Goodwill in South Africa in 1994, when Nelson Mandela and the African National Congress (ANC) came into power to make Apartheid forever a regime of the past."
"Boxing Day" and "Apartheid"? These have nothing in common if not are in contrast to eachother.
Liru, yes, Boxing day and Apartheid have nothing in common. Total different histories. What was Boxing day before merely became Day Of Goodwill in 1994. The DATE is the only common factor. Take care!
Wonderful reminder to share with the less fortunate. The ones who give and prefer to remain anonymous are awesome:))
Dear Martie,
Such a wonderful hub filled with much wisdom and heart. A beautiful reminder to the true meaning of giving from the heart. Thank you for sharing this hub that shines so brightly and touched my heart.
Love,
Sunnie
Hi Martie - what a super awesome hub. I wish we had a day such as that to celebrate. People might learn a lot about themselves. Very interesting...and of course I totally believe in helping other people - I know I could do more too - and this is a good reminder for me. Up and everything!
Thank you for imparting your wisdom and giving freely of yourself.
Sunshine625 – Thank you so much for following the link. Especially this time of the year my heart goes out to the less fortunately. For the love of God I could have been unfortunate too - What a shocking thought! It kills my wish for a better life; it makes me tear UP my wish-list; it forces me to be so-so grateful for what I had and already have.
Thanks for your support. I am so glad I’ve met you. You are great!
May you receive everything you need.
Sunnie Day – So nice to see you. The Goodwill in you shines out of your face (in all your pictures) and your writings. I believe you had a lovely Christmas with your beloveds and that you are filled to bursting point with ideas for hubs.
My wish for you, Sunnie, is that you receive every day exactly what you need. And now I remember the famous words of a friend: “If you can live without it, you don’t need it.”
RealHousewife – I believe with all my heart Halloween is the ideal occasion for major fund-raising projects. Only $1 per costume rented, 5% on every candy sold, and and and could open doors to a better life for thousands.
Thanks so much for your visit. May you receive daily everything you need.
A.A. Zavala – Thank you for your continuous support. I wish for you everything you need in abundance.
jandee 17 months ago
This is surely the best hub yet!
Thanks;jandee