Why be charitable? When you focus on giving back to others, be it individuals or a foundation that is attached to a cause you care deeply about, your life begins to rise above itself. No longer are you living for you. You have made the choice to be intrinsically linked with what it is you find important in this world.

We feel good when we give. So good, in fact, that some people wonder if people can truly be altruistic. Whether or not we can be is besides the point— donating our time, money, or resources is the actionable way to say “we care”.

Some folks may even make a moral argument for philanthropic efforts. By sacrificing a part of your self today, you are quite literally contributing to a better tomorrow. If, for example, schools and education are deeply held institutions and values for you, volunteering or fundraising can give them the resources to better equip the future leaders of tomorrow. If the arts are up your alley, your donations and efforts ensure that theatres, concert halls, and other venues can stay open another day to delight a future audience.

Even if you’re more academically involved—in stem fields for instance — your contributions set an example and show others just how important such development is for the betterment of society.

We all have something we care deeply about, but it’s up to you to find out what it is. Bring it to the surface, and let your enthusiasm shine on in the lives of others.