What can you give, today?

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   aka-djposted 12 years ago

   How many of us actually, consciously, make an effort to give to someone for no apparent reason, other than, to make their day. (better)?
   
   It can be as little as a smile, or as big as paying a bill that someone you know, can't pay. Only for one reason. to be a blessing to another human being.
   
   What have you done recently, or will try and do in the next few days?
   
   I think I heard it called "paying forward" (instead of paying back).

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      Woman Of Courageposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I love to encourage others. I hope the best for all of you.

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   Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

   I can remember hearing about an idea of doing something nice for someone, without telling anyone about it.  I was about 12 at the time and it made a big impression on me.
   This, in my opinion, is a true gift when you are not even expecting a "thank you" or admiration from someone who knows you did it.
   Sometimes people find out that you did something nice,by circumstance or accident, but this should never be your motivation.
   
   I would challenge anyone to do something nice, in secret, without mentioning it to anyone. It is harder than it sounds, but it brings great satisfaction.
   
   So, I would not say if I had done something, or if I plan to do something. It should be a divine secret.

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   Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

   I guess no one has anything to give -- or else, they are giving it secretly.

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   earnestshubposted 12 years ago

   I believe we should live each day giving without expectation, reward or recognition. It's easy. When you leave home wear a smile, be happy and help where you can.
   Hang back and let the other person in to your lane of traffic, help the older person with any mobility problems, such as crossing the road safely, pick up injured animals and take then to the vet, say something nice to the checkout person at the supermarket etc.
   
   As for charity, give what you can afford, putting your own family first.
   Help where you can, you will be rewarded by your own growth, so there is a reward I guess.

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      aka-djposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      In Australia, at least we have some of the most courteous drivers I'v ever encountered.
      For those of you who don't live here, we use our horns less than just about any country I know of.
      
      Thanks to the likes of you, and many thousands of others.

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         earnestshubposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks Dj, it's true, we are for the most part, pretty courteous by comparison to some countries I have driven in.
         
         Courtesy is catching though, so I drive the same as I do at home for the most part, although courtesy when entering a main road in Malaysia could see you sit there all day!

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      Motown2Chitownposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well said, my friend.  I'm in complete agreement. 

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5. 61

   Lisa HWposted 12 years ago

   It's 7:09 a.m. where I live, so I can't say I've done anything "giving" yet today (although maybe posting this response will somehow make someone feel a little better about his fellow man - but I'm not posting this for that reason).  Anyway..
   
   In my own circle of family/friends, but also in the neighborhood/community where I live; people are doing nice things for other people all the time.  It's just how a lot of people have grown up, and just a way of life.  There are plenty of rude drivers and rude "supermarket people", so it isn't like I live in "La La Land" (or whatever), but in general, doing things for others is very much a whole lot of people's way of life. 
   
   A couple of evenings ago I decided to walk to the store, and my neighbor (who I'm not at all close to) offered to give me a ride there and back.  He said he didn't know if I was "just out for the walk" or would prefer not walking.  This isn't a big deal, but I have a not-all-that-close friend whose marriage just split, so last night I sent her a "thinking of you card". (The same person is someone who was able to get her car out sooner after a blizzard, and she came by with a few groceries I didn't ask for last Winter.)  I had a Mother's Day plant (flowering shrub in a pot) that got dried out before I planted it.  My brother nursed it back to health.  A neighbor/friend that I only see occasionally has several times left me little treats/gifts in the mailbox.  (I've done the same with her or others.)  Once someone found out I was sick (only a "flu thing" - nothing serious, and she knew that) and left me some soups and other "cold remedy food" hanging on my front door.       Oh - Saturday I bought a family member a box of Keurig coffee because she loves it but won't buy it just for herself.    Most of the time, it's small stuff.  (but family has been known to do some big stuff.)  Still, it's nice to think about it all.'
   
   It's not like I live in "Mayberry" or anything.  It's an average middle-class suburb with about 30,000 people and way too many cars on the road.  I think, though, it might be that "average-ness" that makes doing little things for others just a way of life.  Lots of "family people" who grew up in close families (as I did).  I sometimes see where I live as "God forsaken boondocks" ) because there's kind of only pine trees, stores, and lots of Little League fields - not much entertainment or culture, by any means); but, in its own way, living where all that "doing nice things (for people someone either only barely knows, or is only a "close-ish acquaintance")" is pretty common has definitely colored my own view of people (and the world) in a kind of nice way.   
   
   Having said all that, I agree with the kind of stuff earnesthub posted too (except for the part about leaving home with a smile.  I don't go around smiling.  It's just not me.    For some reason, a lot of people do seem to smile at me in places like stores (so a) I think they may sense I'm friendly enough, and b) when they do, I'll do my version of a little smile (which is the best I can do  ) back.      Anyway, just thinking about all this kind of little stuff makes a person feel a little better, doesn't it...

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   aka-djposted 12 years ago

   
   
   That's my smile to everyone for today!!

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7. 70

   thisisoliposted 12 years ago

   I sometimes give money to random strangers.  There they are, on stage, dancing around this pole, and I just get this urge to make their life a little better

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      wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, one should always be generous to those that have nothing but a pole.

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   richtwfposted 12 years ago

   I share positive words with others.

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      Eaglekiwiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I like that -
      
      Positive words cost us nothing ,yet they can enrich someone life in so many ways.

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9. 75

   wheelinalloverposted 12 years ago

   I did my part earlier today in a forum post and on one of my hubs. I gave away two "secrets" which are outside the box ways to bring readers to hubbers. I even tested them myself to make sure they worked.
   
   This may not be exactly what your talking about but hey I make a living giving value to others without it costing them a one red cent. I do have businesses which cost people money but they usually see savings immediately. I really do have more fun with the free ones though. The amazing part is you really can earn money without spending a dime.

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