Look for reasons to be kind.
Put in more effort than is required of you.
Be present and attentive.
Care deeply.
Listen.
Give generously of your time.
Be your sensitive self unapologetically and without regret.
Tag: generosity
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To Do Good
Simply because you go out of your way for someone, does not mean you will be rewarded for doing so.
There are no prizes given out for thoughtfulness.
You do not get bonus points for caring.
If acknowledgement is your motivation for being kind or generous, you are going to be sorely disappointed.
If you are going to be a thoughtful, generous, and caring person, do so for the sake of being thoughtful, generous, and caring.
This is not easy because we all want to be acknowledged for our efforts, but it is necessary if you want to be happy.
Do good to do good.
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The Creative Paradox
Creativity is selfish.
You cannot do your best creative work trying to please others.
The muse is not cooperative.
It does not respond well to compromise.
Nor does it tend to show up for committees.
Your best creative work will start and end as something that pleases you.
And yet, creativity is also extremely generous.
The world needs your unique creative perspective.
The creative work you do brings more beauty into the world, beauty that would not exist were it not for your efforts.
Make art that pleases you and it will also bring pleasure to others.
If you attempt to make art that pleases others, however, you will likely please no one, least of all yourself.
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Giving That Matters
Giving of yourself to those who do not appreciate it or who take advantage of it is akin to stealing.
They are not stealing from you, but rather you are stealing from others.
By giving your most precious resources, your time and attention, to people who do not value what you are giving, you are robbing those who are genuinely need and will appreciate your help of the ability to receive it.
For this reason, you must learn to be discerning with what parts of yourself you give and to whom you give them.
There is deep joy and fulfillment in giving freely of yourself to those who need and want your help and you owe it to yourself and them to be available when the opportunity arises.
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Refocusing Generosity
No one likes to feel taken advantage of, least of all for being generous.
It is embarrassing and painful.
But it does not mean you should stop being generous, simply that you should be more discerning with your generosity.
Generosity was and is not the problem.
The problem is the persons to whom you are choosing to be generous.
Solve for that, refocus your generosity toward those who truly need and appreciate it, and you will find that your pain and embarrassment will transform into joy and fulfillment.
Meditations on God 