Mental benefits of giving in the right way:

In my article “The Generous Season” I took an in depth look at the value of generosity. Generosity is the willingness to give. And in the article, I explained how giving money to someone is the quick fix approach and not truly as generous as we may think.

For this article I want to focus on the effects of giving on ourselves, on our mental state as well as on our character. A lot of churches loves preaching about giving in the form of tithing. And although I agree it is important to invest in your house of worship, I recently learned the true reason it is good for us to give. There is even the age old saying: “It is better to give than to receive”. I also belong to a networking group called BNI (Business Network International), Founded by Dr. Ivan Misner. Their core philosophy is “Giver Gain”. I believe that is why this organisation is so successful and I am very proud to be a member of it.

List of benefits to ourselves when we give to others:

1. Giving shows we care about others- it makes us more selfless and helps us to earn respect from others.

2. Giving enforces gratefulness in our hearts which helps us to remain happy, authentic and positive.

3. Giving is a way to share our victory’s and build our momentum to become more prosperous.

4. Giving helps us to produce a harvest: “You reap what you sow”.

5. We practice creativity in how we decide to give.

6. Giving is to share our own gifts and talents and thus our purpose with the world.

7. Giving helps us to let go of things, it teaches us that control is an illusion and we only have control over ourselves.

8. Giving is a nonverbal form of communication.

9. Giving helps us to combat materialism by not over extending the benefits of having or keeping everything only to ourselves.

There are a few catches in giving as well:

When you give in the right way with the right motives and attitude you will feel happy and joyful, not manipulated or forced into giving. The rule of giving is to share what is left over after taking care of your own house and your own responsibility’s. You can’t feed someone else if your own children are starving, then you are being irresponsible and not truly generous. Remember to give money or things are quick fixes of giving. Truly good giving takes planning, careful and creative preparation- that’s what makes the gift precious, the energy and love (effort) you placed within the gift.

Another catch in giving is to be a grateful receiver. Some of us are so generous and giving that we neglect to allow other people to return the favor. Even if someone just gives you a compliment, don’t degrade or down sell their gift by brushing it off. Accept their gift by simply saying thank you with a grateful attitude.

And the last catch I want to discuss; Don’t start a generosity war. If you receive something from someone be grateful and then if you feel to do so and an opportunity arise- pay it forward. Don’t feel obliged to give back to the person who gave to you. Don’t expect something back from the person you gave a gift to. Happy Giving!

Keep Improving

The Ameliorate Team

#Giving; #Generosity; #Benefits; #SelfDevelopment; #joyful