The Joy of Giving

The joys and benefits of giving are legion.  How delightful it is to bestow kindnesses on strangers.  Or to ‘pay forward’ kindnesses received.  How rewarding to give important people in your life presents.  How soul-affirming to contribute to the greater community.

Research in the field of Positive Psychology overwhelming confirms what you probably know from your own experience:  Giving feels good and begets good.  

Jason hosted one of the best birthday parties I’ve attended.  He insisted that he wanted no presents, no libations, and no contributions to the event.  Instead, he made a point of providing everything...and giving his guests gifts.

            “I like giving,” he explained.  “Giving makes me happy.  I’d much rather give than receive so letting me do that is the best birthday gift you can give me.”

He has a point.  It feels great to give to those we care about.  If we can provide them with something we know they need or want, even better.

Of course you already give the important people in your life gratitude, affection and plenty more.   

As we turn fifty, we have an opportunity to give them something special -- as a way of celebrating our milestone.

Kelli flew her two best friends to a five star hotel in the Florida keys for a long weekend.  It was a treat for them -- and for her.  “We had a blast,” she reports.

 This year, I'm thinking about the significant people in my life and what I can give them.  You can too.

Activity:  Jot down the names of the people you care about most.  For each, brainstorm possible gifts.  It might be a letter that details why they are special to you.  It could be a handmade object of your affection.  Maybe you know they need a particular object or would love a specific service.  Perhaps they just want to spend time with you.

Your ideas and comments are most welcome.  Leave them below or message me.