Dear ,

What is it to be generous? Do you know what it means to truly give? I'm not talking about just writing a check to a charity, but rather, do you genuinely share your time, talent, resources and heart? The Power of Giving lies in being true to yourself and knowing how, when and where to be generous so that it is beneficial to all parties. Accessing your personal power through the way you approach your giving, and receiving, requires you to align your values and beliefs with the level of generosity that is right for you.

 

In her book Women & Money, Suze Orman describes her definition of generosity. She states, "Generosity is when you give the right thing to the right person at the right time- and it benefits both of you. It is important to understand that true generosity is as much about the one who gives as it is the one who receives."  Here are her six rules for honest giving:

1.     You give to say thank you and out of pure love, not to get something back.

2.     Whether it is a gift of time, money or love, you must feel strongly that your gift is an offering. Give freely and out of pure love.

3.     An act of generosity must never adversely affect the giver. Don't promise to give something you do not have.

4.     An act of generosity must be made consciously. Make sure the gift positively affects the receiver and it does not create a burden for the other person.

5.     An act of generosity must happen at the right time. Make sure you can afford to give it, including your time.

6.     An act of generosity must come from an empathetic heart. It must be directed to those who move your heart, those you feel need help and will treasure the help you give.

 

With November being a month to give thanks for the many blessings and gratitudes in life, use your Power of Giving to honor others without sacrificing yourself or expecting recognition. Give without guilt or "should's." Be grateful, understanding, kind and compassionate and give accordingly. Discover how your values and particular gift, whether it is time or money, can make a positive impact on the people who receive your generosity.  Your Power of Giving can spread light in the world, creating a ripple effect of unconditional caring and generous love.

 

Some inspirational words on giving and gratitude... 

•  "Deep within your soul there is a knowing place.  A sanctuary where gifts are nurtured. Enter that space. Spend time there tending your gifts.  There in the chapel of your heart, you will become a gift to be given." - Anonymous

•  "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John F. Kennedy

• "Some people have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy." - Abraham H. Maslow

• "Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos. When we offer thanks to God or to another human being, gratitude gifts us with renewal, reflection, reconnection." - Sarah Ban Breathnach

• "Everything comes to us that belongs to us if we create the capacity to receive it."  - Rabindranath Tagore

• "Everyday, think as you wake up: Today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself to expand my heart out to others for the benefit of all beings." - His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama

Finally, don't forget to be as generous to yourself as you are with others.  Model good giving, and receiving, and let it start with you. If you need assistance on understanding your values or how to "right-size" this part of your life, then I hope you will consider the Life Coaching process.  For more information, feel free to e-mail me at jennifer@excavive.com.