The joy of giving back

Glen Fernandes | FEBRUARY 23, 2025, 12:51 AM IST

In a world that often seems to revolve around "I, Me & Myself," there's a powerful antidote to self-centeredness that can light up our lives and the lives of others- the bliss of paying it forward. It's a special kind of happiness that bubbles up from the heart and it's as infectious as laughter. All you need is a virtuous intention and a giving heart.

Have you ever experienced the magic of giving? There's something truly enchanting about making a positive impact on someone else's life. It's like planting a seed of happiness that grows into a beautiful garden of smiles. When you perform an act of kindness, it doesn't stop with you and the recipient. It continues to spread touching the lives of others in unexpected ways. That smile you put on someone's face might brighten their day making them more likely to pass it on to someone else. In this way, the joy of giving multiplies creating a wave of happiness that sweeps through communities.

The importance of giving cannot be overstated. The act of giving is not just about the material things we can provide but also about the emotional support and connection we can offer to others. As Mahatma Gandhi said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” When the act of giving is joyful and unconditional from the heart, then the energy behind the giving increases many times over. But if we give grudgingly and feel that we have lost something through the act of giving, then the gift is not truly given. If we want to be blessed with all the good things in life, learn to silently bless everyone with all the good things in life. The more we give, the more we will receive. It is a way to show compassion, empathy, and love towards our fellow human. We experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that cannot be obtained through material possessions or personal achievements.

There are three essential components that can truly make a difference in the lives of others and bring immense fulfillment to your own life. These are often referred to as the "3 Ts of giving back": time, talent and treasure.

1. Time: The gift of your presence bydevoting your time to volunteer work, mentoring or simply being there for someone in need can make a significant difference in their life.

2. Talent: Sharing your unique skills and talents that can be used to benefit others.

3. Treasure: Giving back through monetary donations, resources or physical goods that can directly support causes and organisations you care about.

Whether you choose to give your time, share your talents or contribute your treasures, remember that every act of kindness, no matter how big or small, can create a ripple effect of positive change. So, let's embrace the joy of giving back, for in doing so, we discover a treasure trove of happiness that knows no bounds.

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