There is nothing more satisfying than to be able to ease the suffering or need of others without expecting anything in return.
When we help others, it gives them a chance to shine and you never know just how much that could mean to them when they are feeling low
In the past, I was the type of person who expected something in return if I gave. This ended being very damaging for me. I would become bitter and resentful. As well as feeling hurt. I would expect that if I spent time thinking of what I gave and expected the same in return, I would often be disappointed.
Over the last couple of years, I have learnt that the most important gift someone can give me is time. We live in a world of ‘being busy’, where everyone will make excuses why they cannot see you. Now I know that the people who really want to see me will make the time for me. And that little effort they will make to see me truly makes me happy, and for me that’s the perfect gift.
I have discovered that giving without any expected payback can turn into something amazing in your life.
Some people will call this karma. But maybe that is what it is. We are living in a fast-moving world where we always expect immediate responses. But this isn’t how the Universe works. Now I’m not saying that we will never get immediate responses, but in terms of giving, more often than not, we will get the return of that giving much later, and most of the times in a better way.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, particularly asking people that you have helped them in the past. You’ll be surprised with the responses you get. And most “No’s” are Not right now, not Never. So, when you get a NO. Try later, it may get changed to a YES.
My key point in this is that when you give without expecting anything in return, you will often get something back without realizing it.
Try doing this challenge where you buy a second coffee when you go to a coffee shop next time and tell the barista to give the second coffee to the next person that comes to the shop. And wait to see who gets the coffee. You will get a wonderful feeling seeing the effect it will have on that person (and you don’t have to tell them you bought it) just that feeling of joy you get from that person will lighten your day.
Nic Marks of Happiness Inc at a talk once, spoke about the 5 critical things for happiness, and they are:
To Connect
Be Active
Take notice
Keep Learning
Give
Note that they have nothing to do with money. We live in a world where we are constantly told that things will bring you happiness. The latest car, the bigger house, the bag, the shoes. This doesn’t work!
You need to connect with people. Look after yourself, mind and body.
Take notice of your surroundings and be present. Take a Digital Detox, go for a walk, Travel. Spend time with people talking and listening, turn those phones off when you are spending time with friends and family.
And give, you see a person struggling to pay, offer to pay. Give your space in the que to the person who has one item or is obviously in a rush. Giving doesn’t have to be financial, Give time. Volunteer. There are so many opportunities to be a positive impact on the world. But don’t expect something in return. Be grateful for the gifts you get back, they will come. But also, be grateful for the positive impact you have on someone’s life. That is more valuable than getting thanks or a gift in return.
Commenti