During this spring holiday season, I have seen how people are more inclined to give and help others during these festive times. While I think its great that people are trying to be more generous, I think its good to reflect on the real giving we do throughout the year.

Are we doing our best to give every chance we get? When we see someone begging on the sidewalk, are we ignoring that they are even there? That there is a person standing right by our car just waiting to feel like someone, anyone cares?

I'm not going to lie. There have been times before where I turned away from those who needed my help. And sure, I may have saved some money by not giving the little I had, but I couldn't help feeling so sad and guilty for leaving that person who had less than me.

Why are we more inclined to give only when we feel like it? Why is it not ingrained as a habit to give whenever possible? Are we so materialistic on the way to the mall, so focused on what we want that we forget that the $200 we are about to spend on shoes and clothes could actually go toward feeding a starving family?

I still remember one time when I was about to study with my friend near the beach. I was walking across the street from my car towards the coffee shop when I saw a homeless man pulling his belongings behind him in a cart. Although I was almost at my predetermined destination, my heart yearned for the man I did not know and to give him something that may make his day a little better.

So I began to think of what I could give him since I had no cash on hand. I remembered I had some chips and an Arizona green tea in my car that I wanted to give to this stranger and I ran back so that I wouldn't lose sight of him. I quickly grabbed the items and ran back to realize that I couldn't find the man anywhere. I ran back toward where I last saw him and hoped that the turn I chose would lead me back to him.

Luckily for me, I found him and quickly tapped his shoulder and handed him what I had. To my dismay, he said no to the chips and took the drink. I insisted that he took the chips, too, saying I didn't need it. But he gave me a funny grin and said it was too hard for him to chew with his rotting teeth. I laughed awkwardly as he thanked me and walked away. I stood for a second watching him go, realizing how blessed of a life I had. Even though I had a beat up car that I shared with my fiancé, I still had so much left to give and I felt happy that I had not ignored him and had put in some effort to giving back. Although he left with something that was useful for him, I left with feelings of gratitude for this life I live.

My life is not perfect, and I'm sure yours isn't either. We all have our difficulties whether it be with finances, relationships or otherwise, but something that never changes is that we always have something to be grateful for and we always have something to give.

Now, I'm not trying to guilt trip anyone by writing this post. I'm not trying to make you feel bad and give everything you have away now to the poor. I'm just saying that the next time you see someone in need, please try to give them something whether it be money, food, time or anything else you have to give, because the feeling of love and gratitude shared between two complete strangers should be a feeling that everyone should experience when given the chance.