Daily Question, April 16 How have you been enriched by giving? 45 Reflections Share Click here to cancel reply.Please log in or Create a Profile to post a comment. Notify me when someone replies to my comment via e-mail. Malag2 days agoMalagHow have I not? From the gifts of nurture by my parents to the joy of my children doing something considerate for me. And everything in between. Edit. Saw this question as enriched by the giving from others. My giving also enriches. Surrounded by people I love that I helped guide through their life to date. That is the most enriching experience for me. 1 Reply Dusty Su2 days agoDusty SuThis question has brought out some beautiful answers. I feel blessed to be among so many lovely souls who value giving from the right place. Thank you, dear Gratitude-sters… 1 Reply Dusty Su2 days agoDusty SuFor 44 years I have lived by faith. No set income, but life lived by the boomerang principle. Whatever you put out, comes back. I do not give to get, but because I give I get what I need, as I need it. Miraculous. I can never out give this principle, it multiples over and over. I feel I never give enough. 1 Reply Carol2 days agoCarolI was brought up to give, even now, 77, spending most of my time alone, I believe that the life of prayer is giving given by God for all creation 3 Reply Dusty Su2 days agoDusty SuPrayer is a beautiful way to give. 1 Reply Melissa2 days agoMelissaWhen I was a teacher I gave my young students so much love and interest in learning. Lots of plays, adventures, art projects, sports, poetry. So much and just seeing their happiness and smiles everyday was the best ever! Both of us students and teacher enriched with a full heart, mind and soul. 5 Reply Don Jones2 days agoDon JonesGreat question. We come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. In between, we are given (Graciously) everything we need. What do I have to give? After sitting with this question, I can give you (my) time, attention and Love. Therefore, all of me. Yes, I am enriched by giving. 5 Reply GregC2 days agoGregCTutoring my ESL student. 6 Reply Anna2 days agoAnnaWhen my father was dying, many of my colleagues and friends supported me, each in their own way, and I was in awe of the creativity of love. Now, the gratitude I’ve felt has led me to support them or give them something I can. Everyone has his needs, his dark times. It is easy and also warms our heart to turn on a light for others, when we surrender to gratitude and love. 6 Reply sb2 days agosbI was brought up as a Catholic (and still am!). The basic premise of our life was to think of others before ourselves, to love, to serve...So I grew up watching my family give to others in every possible way. I saw how good this was not only for the recipient of the love, care, money, goods.....but for our family, so both from nature and nurture, I love to give. Of course, I don't always spot what's needed, I might be too tired or busy, I don't always get it right, but when I can and do give, it...I was brought up as a Catholic (and still am!). The basic premise of our life was to think of others before ourselves, to love, to serve…So I grew up watching my family give to others in every possible way. I saw how good this was not only for the recipient of the love, care, money, goods…..but for our family, so both from nature and nurture, I love to give. Of course, I don’t always spot what’s needed, I might be too tired or busy, I don’t always get it right, but when I can and do give, it is always worth it. I have fostered, and how much love this has brought me cannot be expressed; I teach, and I am sure I get more back from the children than I give to them. During our lockdowns, I have supported elderly relatives and neighbours and our enriched relationship is its own reward. Only today, one elderly neighbour who had a fall asked if I would walk the dog. Beautiful sunny day, sparkling sea, happy dog, birds singing…couldn’t have been nicer so my life today was definitely enriched. Read More5 Reply Hot Sauce2 days agoHot SauceHonestly, sometimes, the giving is its own reward. When I give to the homeless or those in need, it makes me happy that I could help someone who is struggling. It’s not as big as changing the systems that put them in that position in the first place, but I at least know that I helped in some way. 5 Reply Carol2 days agoCarolHow have you been enriched by giving? This question brought me to thoughts about the give and take of our breath. Nature is truly our teacher when it comes to giving and receiving. We take in oxygen provided by trees, other plants, algae and some forms of bacteria and we release carbon dioxide that assists those trees, other plants, algae and some forms of bacteria in the process of photosynthesis. Our life depends on the oxygen they produce and there life depends on the carbon dioxide we and ot...How have you been enriched by giving? This question brought me to thoughts about the give and take of our breath. Nature is truly our teacher when it comes to giving and receiving. We take in oxygen provided by trees, other plants, algae and some forms of bacteria and we release carbon dioxide that assists those trees, other plants, algae and some forms of bacteria in the process of photosynthesis. Our life depends on the oxygen they produce and there life depends on the carbon dioxide we and other mammals release. I often do a breath exercise recommended by Dr. Anthony Weil. You breathe in through your nose to the count of four and hold the breath inside to the count of seven and then release the breath through your mouth to the count of nine. Usually after three such breaths, I find myself yawning and relaxing. I can’t do this breath exercise without giving thanks for the oxygen I receive and finding joy in knowing that I’m giving back the carbon dioxide that Mother Nature so desperately needs. Each breath that we are privileged to take is a reminder that giving is enriching. Read More5 Reply Mica2 days agoMica“Let me count the ways” … Many! 💝🎁 🎁 … 6 Reply Linda2 days agoLindaTo know that I am helping someone is a great gift. 7 Reply Cathie2 days agoCathieAlways – Always, have I found that when we give – time, talent, or treasure – we have had unexpected returns or enrichment! *Inviting folks we don’t know to a holiday dinner wasn’t awkward but became a wonderful evening of sharing. *tutoring reading as a volunteer is amazingly gratifying * offering time and treasure to causes we believe in allows us to not only support those causes, but getting to know the folks is rewarding personally * when in a new city, volunteering my time has hel...Always – Always, have I found that when we give – time, talent, or treasure – we have had unexpected returns or enrichment! *Inviting folks we don’t know to a holiday dinner wasn’t awkward but became a wonderful evening of sharing. *tutoring reading as a volunteer is amazingly gratifying * offering time and treasure to causes we believe in allows us to not only support those causes, but getting to know the folks is rewarding personally * when in a new city, volunteering my time has helped me meet new friends There is always some return or enrichment to self when one gives. You only need look. Read More8 Reply kds6182 days agokds618I give with the intention to make someone’s day special and meaningful. Giving is in my nature. Everyday I plan to do at least one act of kindness. Giving is a selfless act and honestly we need to see more of it especially now. I don’t ever give with the intention of getting anything back nor should anyone. 6 Reply Toni2 days agoToniIn giving I have the opportunity of being of service or connecting to something that is deeper than my normal capacity to feel love towards someone or something. It’s a contribution, and action step. It enriches me by moving beyond my self limiting awareness. 5 Reply Holly in Ohio2 days agoHolly in OhioWhen I give, I don't have the intension of getting anything out of it, but it happens just the same. When I give, it reinforces my sense of abundance and gratefulness (I have more than I need, therefore I can give). When I gave my time to three new kids, I wasn't thinking about what I could get out of it, I was just thinking of how I could be there for them. What I got in return was family, love, joy. When I give by teaching or physically giving items to neighbors, students, friends... I ...When I give, I don’t have the intension of getting anything out of it, but it happens just the same. When I give, it reinforces my sense of abundance and gratefulness (I have more than I need, therefore I can give). When I gave my time to three new kids, I wasn’t thinking about what I could get out of it, I was just thinking of how I could be there for them. What I got in return was family, love, joy. When I give by teaching or physically giving items to neighbors, students, friends… I get community, and a larger family. Again, this isn’t my intention, but the movement of caring and help definitely makes for a better world. Some giving will come back and some won’t but it really doesn’t matter. Somewhere, somebody will be paying it forward elsewhere. In the past, people gave to me in a way I could not return at the time, but I treasure it, and it has had meaning in my life, and I am grateful to them. My brother used to hate Christmas. He had a lot of emotional baggage with it but particularly he hated the gift exchanging and materialism. One year, I suggested he think about it like the Pacific NW Indians… like a potlatch… a way of “redistributing wealth” and caring for the community. Rather than buying so much and giving so much to those who have plenty, or giving beyond our means to feel socially acceptable, you give more thoughtfully and purposefully. I also encouraged him to “throw out the rules” and find celebrations that he could look forward to, like an annual Christmas Eve walk. He now enjoys Christmas. Read More6 Reply Michele1 day agoMicheleLoved your brother story. Finding new celebrations is a great idea:) 1 Reply SK2 days agoSKThe enrichment comes as a sense of peace and the knowing of how fortunate I’ve been in my life to be able to “pass it on” in financial ways, spiritual ways, friendship ways, mentoring ways. I think of all the people put onto my path to enrich my life over the years, that I am humbled to be able to do the same. I know others have had way more challenges than I’ve ever had to face, so, when I can help, I help. 9 Reply Mike S2 days agoMike SOddly enough the first thought that came to mind about giving and the experience of it I recall many times feeling a sense of humility. In the presence of those who are really in need and when I have something significant to offer, This situation remind me of the blessings in my life and how fortunate I am and with that comes a sense of humility. In a way there’s a joy in that experience. 7 Reply DeVonna2 days agoDeVonnaI reluctantly met my mother when I was 25. Her addiction and mental health issues landed me in foster care when I was about three months old (no one remembers exactly). My growing up years were a hell on earth that I barely survived. By the time she "found" me I was a grown woman with two toddlers of my own and I had little interest in further burdening myself with yet another complicated relationship. I tried for 2 yrs to carve out a place in my life for Mother. Years of drug use and extreme ps...I reluctantly met my mother when I was 25. Her addiction and mental health issues landed me in foster care when I was about three months old (no one remembers exactly). My growing up years were a hell on earth that I barely survived. By the time she “found” me I was a grown woman with two toddlers of my own and I had little interest in further burdening myself with yet another complicated relationship. I tried for 2 yrs to carve out a place in my life for Mother. Years of drug use and extreme psychiatric treatments had left her paranoid, demanding and out of touch with reality. I finally cut off all contact with her, out of concern for my own mental well-being. When I learned years later that she had passed, I grieved. I grieved for the relationship that we never had and for the loss of her presence in the world. I wanted to somehow commemorate her life. I pondered and prayed and came up with an idea. I would donate to a micro-loan organization in her memory and gift another struggling mother in this world an opportunity to better herself and her family. It has been a extremly gratifying experience! I helped a young mother in Africa purchase a solar lantern as my first gift. Once she pays back the small loan, I gift it to another woman, and it goes on and on. Read More14 Reply Michele1 day agoMicheleHow wonderful! What a great idea you came up with! 0 Reply Dusty Su2 days agoDusty SuA beautiful, but painful, legacy of love. Such a wonderful path made out of one that could have left you embittered. Bless you. 2 Reply Trish2 days agoTrishThank You for sharing, DeVonna💜 2 Reply Mica2 days agoMicaOh, DeVonna, what a sad and wonderful story. I have an adopted nephew, Tim, who was a young adult in some situation – I forget the details – and he heard a woman in the next room say, ‘I had 2 children, Tim and Crystal.’ Tim ran over to introduce himself – he was a large and not particularly attractive looking person by this time. The woman shouted ‘No! No! You’re not my son!’ or something of the sort. Tim is 42ish now and a good guy, mentally limited but enthusiastically learning Russian. 4 Reply Holly in Ohio2 days agoHolly in OhioThat is lovely, DeVonna, and very inspiring! 5 Reply Toni2 days agoToniDeVonna, what a compassionate gift to the memory of your mother that heals on so many levels. Wow! Just reading about your generosity inspires me to forgive and move on past the shortcomings of my own upbringing and to be grateful for surviving the effects of trauma brought on by alcoholism, poverty, emotional abuse, violence and other emotional baggage. When sharing at an AA meeting an old timer came up to me and asked me if I forgave my grandfather for the abuse my grandmother and her child...DeVonna, what a compassionate gift to the memory of your mother that heals on so many levels. Wow! Just reading about your generosity inspires me to forgive and move on past the shortcomings of my own upbringing and to be grateful for surviving the effects of trauma brought on by alcoholism, poverty, emotional abuse, violence and other emotional baggage. When sharing at an AA meeting an old timer came up to me and asked me if I forgave my grandfather for the abuse my grandmother and her children suffered under his influence. When I said yes he said, good because that was me and now we can be friends. I thought that was odd and now I understand having read your story. As a child of an adult child of an alcoholic I had my issues and forgiveness has not come easy. I also suffered substance abuse and all that comes with that. Mental issues as well. It all comes with the territory. I’m doing well now but had many grieves to bare. I’m still dealing with the aftermath of the consequences of my own experiences. In reading what you did for your mother and how you grew up it gives me hope that more healing is to come and love moves beyond the grave. I truly believe that. Thank you for sharing. I almost deleted this reply but I think it is good to relate and let go so I too can move on. Read More8 Reply Mike S2 days agoMike SDeVonna, thank you for sharing about your mother. I am quite moved. 💕 6 Reply Holly in Ohio2 days agoHolly in OhioAnd thank you, too, Toni. That is quite a powerful sharing. You both inspire me to be less judgmental, and more compassionate. 5 Reply 1 2 Next » My Private Gratitude Journal Write an entry in your private gratefulness journal Get Started This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A. DONATE https://gratefulness.org/content/uploads/2015/03/GX-Gold-Participant-L.png Community Engagement Guidelines Privacy Policy [email protected] Connect with us on Social Media: © 2000 - 2021, A Network for Grateful Living Website by Briteweb
