I've always struggled with sharing, especially when I was much younger. If I had worked hard and earned something, I didn't want to turn around and give that away to anyone. It was mine and I enjoyed having something to show for what I had accomplished. I took just a bit too much pride in it. I constantly put my wants first before even considering the needs of other around me. I knew it was wrong to be so selfish. I was raised to share my good fortune with others. Why then do I struggle so much with this? I think that struggle is reinforced negatively by our society. While growing up and especially now, I am constantly bombarded with the opinions of others around me and especially the media, that to be "successful" I need the best degree, the best job, the best car, the best wife, the best children, an overly big house, and make lots and lots of money. I worked very hard and got much of this but it was never fulfilling. I still didn't feel "successful". Then one day I heard Father Lawrence Schroedel, CFR leading...

Don't only give to the poor, invest in them to help get rid of poverty.

http://www.kiva.org/

This is a great talk about poverty, money and love. Also how we can change our attitude and thoughts about it: