The Joy of Giving by Sharon Eiffel

 

Contrary to common thinking, giving has nothing to do with material wealth. Whilst it may be true that material possessions enhance the capability to give, material gifts serve only to express the attitude of giving behind. With or without material possessions we can still afford to give. After-all, it is the priceless gifts of love and caring which all humanity craves for.

Everyone wants to be on the receiving end all the time, but to have a consciousness and conscience to think of others first before ourselves is extraordinary. To give a stranger a simple smile goes a long way. Just a simple act of kindness, like someone holding the door for me, makes a difference in my entire day. Though the act itself might be very simple but it is the attitude behind the action which is valuable. So don't worry too much about what exactly you are giving, what has value is the attitude behind it, as the clich? goes, ?it is the thought that counts?.

Ironically, it is in the giving that we receive. Though we might not realise it immediately, or get the very same gift from another person but the more we give the more we receive. The immediate effect one can realize is on our bodies. The satisfaction that is gained from giving is invaluable. While we may spend our lives seeking for peace and joy, start giving and these things will just come to you. Giving brings rewards which are beyond words. It's a win-win situation, the giver benefits as well as the recipient.

A person with a giving attitude has a positive outlook on the world. For how can you possibly give if your heart is filled with anger and frustration. So already, you can see, that by adopting a giving mindset, by seeking to put others first before self, our outlook on the world will simultaneously change. For all fears, worries and anxieties come when we are too bogged down with ourselves. However, the moment we let go of ?me me me? and think of others these worries will soon dissolve. This is not suggesting that we give up on ourselves, but rather to take a step back and look at the wider picture. Rather than seeking to receive all the time, seek to give, remembering that whatever we cause others to experience we will experience it ourselves and so much more.

We are all part of the same thing. We all stem from ONE SOURCE and we generally all share the same feelings. By giving to others, you are working in alignment with the Source of all. And when you are in alignment with the Source, everything else is well taken off. You would have opened the floodgates of abundance into your life, and as you continue to give the more you will continue to receive.