Sharing in laughter, a participant on a Leaders Today trip to China gives of herself and receives even more in return.

As the holiday season approaches, we start thinking about which gifts to give our friends and loved ones. It can be hard to find the perfect gift, and in all the craziness of holiday shopping, we often lose sight of the spirit behind gift giving.

When we take a step back, it seems odd that the spirit of giving is expressed by packing ourselves into a mall once a year to find objects for people we love year-round. To express the true spirit of giving, we must give of ourselves, both to those we love and to friends we have not yet met. This is really very easy: Give the gift of laughter, the gift of time and the gift of sharing.

Laurent, a participant on a Leaders Today International Volunteer and Leadership Trip to China this past summer, experienced the true essence of giving and sharing.

China trip participants lend each other “support.”

Laurent recounts, “We shared our food, smiles, presents, thoughts, ideas and many other things with many people around the world. Volunteering with young teens to achieve a common goal is a wonderful experience. To get to know people from China and connect with them even if you don’t know their language very well, is just incredible!”

In the summer of 2006, Laurent and hundreds of others made the choice to be the change they wish to see in the world by giving of themselves to others all over the world on Leaders Today International Volunteer and Leadership Trips.

This holiday season, get involved in the true spirit of giving and sharing. Then, choose to act on this spirit. Travel internationally and volunteer in Kenya and China, or reach out locally while thinking globally at our Take Action! Academy in Toronto, Vancouver or Beijing.

Check it out at www.leaderstoday.com!