Giving for the sake of giving feels so good, I take every opportunity I can find to do it.
I give a smile, a kind remark, maybe a compliment or my advice if asked. I give until it doesn’t hurt.
True giving is never painful. It is offered with no expectation of receiving anything in return, except for the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you made someone’s day a little easier, a little brighter.
You never know what that person might go on and do. Maybe she will have the chance to give to someone else, and so on, and so on.
If you were taught that everyone is out to take advantage of you, then giving freely might not feel natural. If you ask yourself what’s in it for you, this might be a mindset that you want to reconsider as well.
Much as nature provides us with air, and water, and the ability to grow food, the world operates on the premise of giving. To survive as infants we depend on the care of others, unable to do anything ourselves.
Hopefully the giving is offered with no strings attached, no expectations of repayment.
Nothing makes you feel better than truly helping someone, or something, out. It is why we are here. Don’t be stingy with yourself, and give more than you think you can.
Remember, it never has to cost you a dime.
Five Ways to Give
- Learn to listen – Be there when someone needs to talk. Sit and listen. They may be looking for advice, but through talking they are able to work things out on their own. Let them talk. Until they stop and ask, “What do you think?”, and you pause long enough to see if they truly want to know, then sit and listen in silence. You will be the best friend they could hope for.
- Reach out when you don’t need anything – Just to say hi. See if someone other than yourself needs something. Then follow step one above.
- Keep your eyes open – Be more engaged with what and who is around you. If someone is struggling in some way, ask if you can help. Don’t make a big deal about it; just politely offer and carry on. Not many people take the time to do this anymore.
- Act like you tell children to act – Say please. Say thank you. Hold the door open for someone. Don’t push, don’t shove, share your toys and use your indoor voice. Being considerate is a gift that never stops giving.
- Smile – No one cares if you are having a bad day. You are alive, you are breathing, and that won’t always be the case. Appreciate everything you have and every day you are here to enjoy it. There is always someone worse off than you. So smile. Share joy with the world and understand that living in misery is misusing the little time you have here.
Love, laugh, live and give. Enjoy and appreciate the good in life and it will follow you around.
By giving to others, you are truly giving to yourself.