Many of us love to give. We love to share our energy, love, talents and money with other people because the feeling of giving feels incredible. However, being that we are human, it is difficult to give without the expectation of gratitude, acknowledgement or reciprocation in return for our efforts. Know that it is completely normal to feel this way. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they just are; and I encourage being true to your feelings even if you wish you felt otherwise.
Recently, I was sharing a story with a dear friend of mine about a situation where I had been continuing to give to an individual and was at a loss for the lack of acknowledgement/reciprocation and exclusivity sent back my way. She listened sweetly and said to me, “Giving is a circle, and sometimes when we give generously to someone, the kindness is returned to us not by that individual but by someone from whom we least expect it.” My dear friend’s perspective on the circle of giving is so beautiful. It inspires me to continue to strive towards giving without expectation, but also to trust that by giving, love will find its way back to me. Through the love that returns, we once again have more to give, and the circle of giving continues.
“Giving is a circle, and sometimes when we give generously to someone, the kindness is returned to us not by that individual but by someone from whom we least expect it.”
Breathe your essence and truth. Share all you have to give. Trust the love you share will eventually find you once again in a whole new and beautiful way. In the spirit of giving, I offer this article from Tiny Buddha which shares 20 Ways to Give Without Expectation.
Here are a few of my personal favorites from the list:
Help someone who is struggling with difficult feelings by admitting you’ve felt the same thing—without considering whether they’d be as open with you.
Hold someone’s hand when they feel vulnerable to let them know you haven’t judged them.
Accompany someone to an appointment or drive them to an interview when they need support just to help them feel strong.
Give generously and watch your beautiful heart grow bigger and bigger full of gratitude for all that you have to share.
Namaste,
Andrea