It’s better to give than to receive. But some folks never got that message. Instead, they claim they’re in no position to give. You’ve got to wonder if they’re being truthful or if it’s just a convenient excuse. In any case, generosity doesn’t require giving lavish gifts or money; it can simply mean giving of oneself. You don’t have to be rich to give; your gift can be as simple as a smile. Therefore, it isn’t a question of whether you’re able to give, it’s whether you will give. Are you generous?

The Joy of Giving

Generous people know that you gain so much satisfaction from giving. The only limiting factor is your imagination. There are many ways to give. For example, you can give someone: advice, encouragement, appreciation, trust, hope, an opportunity, your opinion, your undivided attention, a shoulder to cry on, and of course, respect. The point is that the opportunity to give is endless.

It’s not what you give, but rather that you give.

10 Ways to Show That You Care

It doesn’t require an arm and a leg to be generous. Here are 10 guidelines to get you started:

1. Give from your heart. Give out of kindness, not obligation.
2. Give for no particular reason. Don’t wait for a special occasion. Every day is an opportunity to be generous.
3. Give without being asked. Step up to the plate before someone makes a request of you. Surprise them with your kindness.
4. Give any way you can. Give a little if you can’t give a lot. But remember, if giving that gift doesn’t hurt a little — you’re not giving enough.
5. Give without strings attached. Give without expecting something in return. Your reward should not result in personal gain but in making others happy.
6. Give of yourself. Lavish gifts are not a substitute for caring. Give of your time, talent, or expertise.
7. Give to show that you care. Be available in times of need. Lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on.
8. Give without creating dependency. Instill self-reliance. Teach someone “how to fish” rather than making them dependent on your benevolence.
9. Give to those who need it most. There are people less fortunate than you. Make a difference in their life.
10. Give without attracting attention. Be humble. Don’t make a spectacle out of your generosity.

Be Generous: The More You Give, the More You Receive

If you’re asking yourself what stops people from giving, the answer is simple. Some people are self-centered. They’re more interested in feeding their own ego than in nourishing someone else. Some folks claim they’re busy — busy focusing on their own needs. Others are simply selfish. They’d rather get something they don’t need than give to someone in need. What they fail to realize is that when you exude good energy, it often comes right back to you — full circle — like a boomerang. But the real reward is feeling good about yourself and knowing that you’re making a difference.

Be generous in your own special way. You don’t have to do something life changing to make a difference. Your gift need not come in a box. Your deed can be as simple as making someone feel special, reaching out to a lonely person, helping a troubled kid find the right path, or comforting a friend. It can take the form of giving someone confidence, slowing down to provide quality time to someone, or sharing an honest opinion. The result is that you’ll change the world one good deed at a time. What do you have to lose? Being generous doesn’t cost a penny.

Are You Generous?

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Additional Reading:
The Most Important Lesson in Life
What Does It Take to Show a Little Kindness?
The New Math Adds Up to More
Good Relationships Don’t Keep Score
Are You Selfless Or Selfish?
Selfish People Are Losers
99 Ways to Be More Selfless

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