Give Often, Live Always

None of us would be where we are today if we didn’t receive help from someone else at some point in our life. Working together is one of the fundamental concepts our society is built on, but it can only be accomplished by those that are willing to give.
 
They don’t call giving the “secret of living” for nothing. If you don’t learn to give your time, energy, effort, advice, knowledge, and support to others -- especially when they need it most -- you will eventually disconnect yourself from those that mean the most to you. Even worse, you’ll find yourself all alone when you need it most.
 
In order to live a fulfilling life, you need to understand that you’ll only get out of life what you put into it. If you neglect those around you, it won’t take long before they start neglecting you too.
 
Giving Makes You Feel Good
 
Think back to the last time you gifted someone something -- whether it was something you bought, made, or thought. Think about the effort you put into that gift, the presentation of it, the delivery. Everything is organized, thought-out, and well-planned.
 
It’s something you know will mean a lot to them and it gets you excited. When you finally get to witness them receive their gift, you get a warm feeling in your heart. You know you did something good and it makes you feel good.
 
Spreading What Everybody Needs
 
Many people will refrain from giving because they feel they’re not in a position to give. They’ll think they’re too poor, too busy, or simply too shy. The truth is, you don’t have to have a lot of money or time to give to people. It’s the small things that matter most.
 
Giving doesn’t have to involve money. Something as small as thanking your barista in the morning or asking your friend how they’re doing can be forms of giving. We pass up too many opportunities everyday to be a good person and give back to our community.
 
The next time you’re walking into a store, hold the door open for the next person. If someone’s buying some food and their card declines, offer to pay for it. If it looks like someone’s struggling with their day, ask them if there’s anything you can do to help. When you learn to give, you learn to live.
 
The Beauty of Reciprocation
 
One of the most beautiful things about giving is the response it gets from those that witness it. It creates a domino effect that our society needs in order to properly operate. Much like you getting a good feeling when you help someone, simply watching someone receive help can make someone feel good.
 
This good feeling that others get will encourage them to give back in their own way. The next time they see an opportunity to help someone, they won’t turn it down because they’ll be in search of that same feeling they saw you initiate.
 
Not only will it inspire others, but it will inspire you to do it again and again. Like we said, it’s a domino effect that we need on a constant basis.
 
The More You Give, The More You Have
 
Giving back to your friends, family, and community is like playing a game with the universe that every wins. You’ll notice that when you give your time and energy to someone, the universe will reward you right back. You’ll find yourself in a friendly tug-of-war match with the universe as you trade acts of kindness back and forth.
 
Many people will expect possessions and material things in return, but that won’t always be the reward. Sometimes that good feeling you receive is all you need to get through your day -- or week. You’ll be surprised by how rich you feel on the inside.
 
5 Ways to Start Giving More
 
There are plenty of ways we can all give back. When you look around, there are people all around you that could use your help. Most people will never voice it, but that should never stop you from asking!
 
If you’re determined to give back, but don’t know where to start, here’s five ways you can start today:
 
1. Start With Family
 
When all else fails, turn to those closest to you. Whether you see your family often or not, it’s often been a while since you last asked them how they were doing. And not that meaningless “How are ya?” when you see them at a family get-together -- try having a real conversation with them.
 
There could be something they’re struggling with or something they’re trying to accomplish that you can help them with. Again, all you have to do is ask.
 
2. Random Acts of Kindness
 
If it weren’t for random acts of kindness, our world would seem a lot more dry and negative. Try asking yourself when the last time you performed a random act of kindness was. If your answer wasn’t “today,” then you need to place a little more focus on them throughout the day.
 
Examples of random acts of kindness are helping someone cross the street, paying for someone’s bill when they don’t have enough money, or bringing in coffee and donuts for your office. They’re things you’re not expected to do and you’re not planning to do, but they happen -- and it makes you feel good.
 
3. Give the Gift of Laughter
 
You know what they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” If you want to quickly brighten someone’s day and in return brighten yours, make someone laugh the next time you spark a conversation. Especially if you notice someone feeling down, finding a way to make them giggle can uplift their spirits.
 
Laughter is what makes this world lovable and positive. It reminds us that there’s a light at the end of every tunnel, that everything’s going to be okay. It’s a therapy in its own right and one that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
 
4. Volunteer Your Time
 
One of the easiest ways to give back to your community is by giving your time. There are countless places that are looking for volunteers on a daily basis. Animal shelters, National Parks, food pantries, homeless shelters, the YMCA, and hospitals are always in need of extra help.
 
If you’re looking for a great way of helping others and meeting amazing people along the way, start volunteering on your days off. It’ll make you feel much better about yourself compared to sitting around and watching TV all day.
 
5. Gather Donations For Charities
 
Much like there will always be places looking for volunteers to give their time, there will always be places that need help financially. When we unify as a community and pool together, it’s amazing what’s possible. We could easily raise $1,000 by getting 100 people to pitch in $10.
 
This money will go to good use when given to a charity. Better yet, you can select which charity you want to give it to. Donating to a charity that you believe in and care about will only make you feel that much better about yourself.
 
If you’re looking to start giving back, you have plenty of options. The best thing you can do for yourself and your community is to start today. Everyone else will follow!
​