I’ve been thinking about the phrase “giving back” and why “giving forward” feels more natural to me. Society hasn’t given me much support—in terms of income, disability support, or simply what it takes to live day by day. I manage much of that on my own.

I chose to run my own business when I could have relied on a benefit. I’ve worked my ass off to earn a living, employ people and contribute. That choice has also saved the government the cost of supporting me, yet I’ve never received a thank you for that effort. Now government contract cuts have taken away the work I depended on to earn money. It’s hard to feel that contribution has been valued.

I also know that many people face greater hardship and have fewer resources than I do. I’m fortunate in what I have and the opportunities I’ve had, and I don’t want to lose sight of that privilege. My gratitude and my difficulties are both real. Acknowledging one doesn’t erase the other.

I still choose to give. Giving forward starts with how I show up: with gratitude, honesty, kindness and generosity, as a more centred, genuine person. It also shapes the causes I support, from charities helping local children to Wikipedia, which makes knowledge available to so many people.

Giving forward matters to me, but my ability to give has limits. With my own livelihood affected, I don’t always have the resources to offer others the support I would like to. I’m grateful for what I have, and I need support myself. That is part of this story too.