Generosity
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What happens when you “pay it forward”
“You can get everything in life you want — if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” ~Zig Ziglar Yesterday I wrote about the economics of holiday spending and the real meaning of generosity. Throughout the day, which happened to be Giving Tuesday, I also thought about the phrase “paying it forward.” To pay it forward means you remember your own good fortune and help someone else (sometimes anonymously) without expecting something in return. It’s a different kind of reciprocation. I’ve learned over the years that whenever I share what I have with others, my life magically improves, too. Of course, it’s harder to be generous…
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The real measure of generosity
“A life is not measured by what we do or what we give, but by who we are … The impact we’ve had on the lives around us could be felt for decades. How present am I with the people in my life? Am I able to take responsibility for the actions that hurt others? Do I want to be right or can I choose to be thoughtful and kind?” ~Cheryl Richardson Most of us equate “generosity” with lavish gifting — especially this time of year. As I type this, economists are tracking and comparing annual statistics on holiday spending, including the types of purchases we make and how much money…
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The light of gratitude
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ~Albert Schweitzer The gratitude list is a tool I often promote in the workshops I coach, whether we use it as a writing prompt or a personal growth exercise. And I try to practice what I preach. One of my favorite exercises is to jot down the names of everyone, past and present, who has made a difference in my life. The medical doctors who’ve taken care of my family and me are at the top…
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Enough to share
“Love is something that if you give it away, you end up having more.” ~Malvina Reynolds For years I’ve been fascinated by the “law of abundance,” which some might dismiss as one of those woo-woo New Age theories. I think there’s something to it. In a nutshell, the abundance theory suggests that if you live generously, acting on the belief that there’s always plenty to share, you’ll attract more goodness in your life. In other words, the more you give away — whether it’s love, money, time, or produce from your garden — the more you get back. Conversely, if you’re stingy or overly protective of your own resources, you’re…
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The art of gifting
“The act of giving something to others is an art of flowering your heart.” ~ Vinayak There are many different gifting styles and practices, and psychotherapists have some interesting theories on that. Some people get a thrill out of selecting presents for their loved ones, while others prefer not to express affection with material things. A few folks I know discourage gift-giving because they don’t want to feel obligated to reciprocate; others worry that they’ll select the wrong gift. Of course, some don’t have extra cash for gifting in their budget. The most thoughtful presents come from the heart, no strings attached. For instance, a friend of mine is a…
