Not long ago I had no concept of the true value of giving and the internal joy and self-satisfaction that come with it.
As a child I gave merely out of expectation and sometimes coercion. There was never enough of anything to go around and that feeling of lack prevented me being able to give with any semblance gratitude. As I grew older I gave begrudgingly, knowing that anything I gave away meant significant loss for me. A few years ago when I began to consciously use gratitude to change every aspect of my life I saw that giving with gratitude made giving pleasurable. And, in giving from gratitude I received an abundance of joy. Not only did I receive joy but I had an inner sense that all is well and I would always have enough. Now I fully understand that when I give from gratitude the universe rewards me with more abundance and inner fulfillment then I would have ever had otherwise.
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” – Albert Einstein
At the core of every human being is the desire for love and acceptance which ultimately translates into a need for connection. As social beings, connection to other loving beings (human or animal) is one of our most basic human needs, right up there with food and water. Without expressions of love we become lifeless. Lack of feeling love and acceptance can lead to depression and even suicide.
Giving and receiving are an outward way that love and appreciation are expressed. This form of expression is so vital to our well-being that we have created entire celebrations around reciprocation.
The act of giving is a natural anti-depressant and creates an emotional high when the giving is truly from the heart. For the rest of the story click HERE.
Until next time, be fearless, fabulous and free.
The Polygamist's Daughter 