The power of giving (book by Azim Jamal & Harvey McKinnon)

Giving creates a symbiotic relationship; it benefits both parties. The recipients benefit from your gift. And you benefit personally by virtue of having been a giver. Sometimes it is easy to see the immediate benefits to those you help. Other times, the ultimate benefits of your action may occur many years in the future. What ever your gift, your time, your money, or effort will have a positive impact. The other side of the equation is the benefits to you. They may be visible and immediate, or they may be intangible and delayed. You may not even recognize them as benefits. You may gain a tax deduction. You may feel great about your ability to help. You may receive heartfelt thanks. What ever form the benefits take, giving brings meaning to your life. When you give, you have a chance to make an incredible impact during and often beyond your life. And when you give without expecting a return, you reap even more benefits.

True giving begins with love. Love is the most powerful force in the world, and when we love, we are in touch with our basic and most fundamental human need. Love is something all people need, no matter their background, culture or faith. Many people grow up in difficult circumstances, and almost everyone at one time or another has suffered emotional wounds, dashed hopes, or the loss of love. All people are complicated, and as they try to make their way in the world, sometimes they offend you, hurt you, ignore you, or lack compassion for you. You have probably caused the same emotional pain to others, sometimes unintentionally, sometimes not. This is why giving the gifts of compassion, understanding, and unconditional love is so important. It helps to break the negative cycle in relationships and leads to a revival of love and commitment because when people receive love, they learn to give love. Almost every week you'll hear the word love used in ways that distort its real meaning and power. Remember; "love is a verb." It's not passive. When you give love, you receive love. Real love is is an example of how giving and receiving are so intertwined. True love is selfless. Its free and liberated. Love is timeless, and deep love continues to live even after our death. Forgiving people for past mistakes and hurts is also a way to express love, and forgiveness is a wonderful thing to give. Like you, other people are only imperfect humans.

There is much sadness in the world, but there are also unlimited ways to make a positive difference. You can gain tremendous benefits from giving. Among these benefits are new friends, a feeling of security, better health, happiness and a sense of pride. You are at your best when you make a difference and contribute. You need only so much as an individual to be happy. Therefore, to live your potential and create abundance, you need to do something larger than yourself - thus the need to give. What can you give?

* Love

* Laughter

* Knowledge

*Leadership

* Hope

* Life

* Time

* Money

* Skills

* Health

* Touch

* Attention

*Advice

Being kind is the simplest way to become who we really are. To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others. 

Thank You

To you who told me to just 'paint it out, what ever it is'

To you who gave me courage

To you who reminded me that missing someone or somewhere doesn't have to kill you

To you who came to me even though we were not supposed to meet

To you who did not care

To you who did not know

To you who talked with me about life

To you who screamed with me

To you who took my mind away to something else

To you who called and asked me to join for a cup of coffee

To you who gave me days off work

To you who laughed out loud 

To you who wasn't afraid to be silent

 To you i never met before

To you who came to me for help

To all you fifteen people listed above and many more, thank you for being there. Even without realizing the influence you had.

: Owl / 2012: