Being Generous To Others - Why is generosity important

My grandmother Pauline used to say, "If you want bread to come to you, then you need to put bread on the water."  Many years later, I googled the phrase as it was one of my grandmother's favorite sayings. I found a verse from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament: "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."  It basically means to give generously without worrying about what you will gain from it, or what the people will do with what you give them, and that God will reward you.  

    Be charitable with strangers, friends, and family.  Being generous raises your positive energy and brings abundance into your life.  Being selfish will create a scarcity mentality, which makes it harder to grow wealth in your life.  Don't be one of those people who doesn't offer to pitch in or pay for things, because you're saving.  If you go out with friends or family, be generous, take a gift, pitch in, clean up, or pick up the tab.  If you don't have any money, then join in to help in other ways. This kind of mindset is a natural confidence builder, creates happiness in your life, reduces stress, increases your lifespan, and helps diminish self-hatred.  People around you will also respect you more, want to be in your company and want to help you when you need it. I've met some of the most influential and powerful people in my life doing volunteer work. Dedicate some of your time to helping people and the planet.

    Don’t just give back, just give!  Give to someone you don’t know without expecting something in return.

    My cousin Barbara Gabriel taught me some essential lessons in generosity.  I've always enjoyed sharing and giving, but there's more to it than that. First, show appreciation for generous words or acts towards you, say thank you and accept what they say or give.  Don't say "No thank you" or "I can't accept this" that diminishes the kindness the person is showing you. Learn to accept this act of love from others by accepting their kind act; you are giving them love back by being appreciative and also allowing them to show you their appreciation for you.  Avoid comments like "It was no big deal," "Don't worry about it," or "It was nothing," that devalues the generosity and appreciation they are giving back to you. Remember that generosity takes at least two people and is mutual. Acts of kindness can include, smiles, kind words, compliments, material gifts, time, anything that you think might be special for the person.    

    I recently woke up at 6 am on a Sunday morning so I could surprise my two cousins by cheering them on along the course of a marathon.  They were so touched by the act that we all cried. Even though it was a simple act, I have to say that none of us will ever forget it.  I was so proud and touched to share in their big experience, and they were moved to be able to share it with me and grateful for being supported.

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