Since in some parts of the world today we celebrate Christmas, it seems appropriate to briefly mention how the power of giving can transform the world around us. Those who have genuinely, meaningfully, and positively given of themselves throughout history have helped make the future better for others. So what does it mean to give genuinely,
meaningfully, and positively?
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To give genuinely means to give without expecting something in return for our gift. In other words, we have no ulterior or hidden selfish motives for our act of giving. To give meaningfully means to give mindfully and purposely something that will help others in the future.
To give positively means to give something that will have a overall positive effect on the world around us. Anyone can give, but not all contributions have a long-term positive
effect on the world around us. How does giving transform the world around us? 1) Giving of ourselves allows the world around us in the present and the world in the future to experience and benefit from our unique contribution of gifts, talents, and experiences. 2) Giving puts positive energy into the world around us and, as a result, brings positive energy back to us. We have heard this put into different phrases like sowing and reaping, "what goes around comes around," karma, "what goes up must come down."
3) Giving genuinely gives us a unique sense of satisfaction and happiness in the moment that is shared with those we give to. 4) Giving inspires others to follow in our footsteps and share their unique contribution.
Our example can help others see their potential and discover the courage to share their uniqueness with the world. So in summation, giving positively, genuinely, and meaningfully changes the world around us by sharing our unique contribution of gifts, talents, and experiences, by putting out positive energy to bring back positive energy, by giving us and others a unique sense of satisfaction and happiness in the moment, and by encouraging others to follow in our footsteps. So where are you with giving? Do you understand how to give in a positive, meaningful, and genuine way? Do you know what your unique contribution will be? Do you see how the power of giving can change the world around you?