They say that it’s better to give than to receive, is this true? Well, if you’ve ever received a fantastic gift, it would be hard to argue with this. However, if you’ve ever been the person that nails that fantastic gift, you know that it’s an amazing feeling to give. You’ll also see that it makes you feel incredible.
Now take that one step further. Imagine that you can give a gift that will alter someone’s life for the better. How would that make you feel? In giving to others, you will find that you are also giving to yourself. Be prepared to feel a fuzzy warm feeling inside and an abundance of love. After all, giving of yourself is free and doesn’t have to cost anything.
So the answer is YES. It is always better to give.
No one wants to feel invisible.
Although the homeless person you gave some change to appreciates it, did you ever think they just wanted to feel accepted and not looked down on? Maybe money isn’t the most important thing for them at that particular moment. You may be the only other human being they have talked to that day or that week. It is easy to do. Just ask them how they are but make sure you hear their answer and not just walk past. Just asking a simple question can make someone feel seen and not invisible. Giving love and showing kindness doesn’t cost anything, and it is something so simple that we can all do.
It’s doesn’t take much effort, but their response lets you know just how much that little extra meant to a person that most people try to ignore. Their body language changes; they stand up straighter, maybe even share a smile.
The Problem With Giving Money
Most people only associate giving with giving money, so it deters a lot of people. Of course, money always helps, but it’s not always what is needed most. Maybe the person you bought that amazing gift for was just happy to see you? Perhaps you are one of their favourite people, and they just haven’t had the chance to spend enough time with you.
Let’s be honest. Money is money. Everybody wants it and needs it, so it can be very fulfilling to give in this way. However, this is the most impersonal way to give. It doesn’t make you feel all that great because you haven’t made much of a difference. You also haven’t taken the time to get to know the person you want to help. Find out what they need the most. They may surprise you. Do not be afraid to ask them.
“If your giving stops as soon as money is exchanged, you’ll never experience the true feeling of why it’s better to give than to receive.”
Mark Hutt
When you take money out of the equation of giving, you can find other ways to give that are much more meaningful to both you and the person receiving your gift. It is then that you realize that there is no limit to how much you can give! When you give things that are not replenishable, like time or effort, you begin to feel that money alone isn’t enough.
Other Ways You Can Give
Perhaps your local food bank needs volunteers to help separate and distribute food. Maybe the local veterinarian needs walkers. Your local Church may be needing help, or nursing homes may need compassionate visitors. Perhaps you can help a neighbour cut the grass or shovel snow. There are endless opportunities to make a difference in your area.
Sometimes while I’m waiting in line at the grocery store, I see a look of panic on the face of the person behind me. I can tell that they are concerned about how long they may have to wait, so I’ll let them go ahead of me. Many of you probably already do that, which is fantastic. Others have not taken the time to think of how a small gesture can make a difference. Or maybe they believe that the gesture is too small and won’t make an impact that is simply untrue. No gesture is too small.
Instead, think of the impact it might mean on the other person? It may not mean much for some people, but to others, it could be the difference between getting home in time to relieve a caregiver or being late to pick up their kids from school. These small gestures don’t take much time and don’t cost anything but can make a real difference. You don’t know the circumstances of the person on the other end of these tiny gestures. You will be surprised at just how good something so small can make you feel and impact someone else!
Volunteering
It’s probably a good idea to try to give in areas in which you have an interest. Taking dogs for walks, for example, is perhaps not the best idea if you don’t happen to love animals. If you are social and love speaking with others, compassion visits might be something that you can enjoy while helping those who feel lonely. Do you like building and working with your hands? Many charities have a building project going on that requires volunteers to help them. If you look around, there is no limit to what you can do to give to your community! It just starts by deciding that you want to help. The options are endless.
Being a part of something and seeing it through adds a whole new dimension to your personal growth. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like depending on how much time you have. However, I can almost predict that the more you give back, the more you will want to continue to do so.
It’s always a good idea to start small and see how it goes. It is OK to try something else if your initial choice doesn’t work out how you thought it would and is not a good fit for all involved. Time and effort are things you can never get back. That’s why when you give these things, it means so much. You will find that you will start to feel more connection through your experience by giving of yourself. I always find that I learn and gain more from them than they could ever from me. After all, the love you receive and give is what makes helping others so fulfilling and unlike anything else! It is the best feeling in the world!