When you hear the word “generous,” what comes to mind? Many people think of the millionaire benefactor giving millions for a new wing at the hospital. When I hear such stories, I think how wonderful it is that the benefactor has learned that giving money is a source of happiness as well as a source of helpfulness to the community. The problem with this “millionaire-generous-thinking” paradigm is that it works for only one percent of the population. Most of us will never be in a position to give millions away. We may think, “If we had extra millions to give away, we would do the same.”
However, you don’t need millions to be a generous person. You can be retired on a fixed budget, like my friend Paulette, who is one of the most generous people I know. She always thinks about the needs of others and how she can give of herself to help, be it with her time, her heart, or her funds. Her brain is wired for compassion.
Paulette is generous with her time. She drove an hour in Friday night traffic for two years to give free painting lessons to a teenager from a broken home. The painting lessons were a vehicle to help the teenager get over her shyness. The painting gave her a voice, but Paulette was also a sympathetic outlet for her to become more. It was first time the teenager had gotten praise of any kind. Paulette has compassion not only for kids but for the elderly too. I so appreciate her time in visiting with my mom.
Paulette gives her heart freely. When she sees a homeless person, she would be the one giving them a hug, as well as, money or food.
Paulette also receives great happiness from giving material things to her friends, family and strangers. She spends more on others than herself. She always thinks of objects as a way of bringing happiness to others. For example, she gave my daughter a beautiful dollhouse Paulette’s father made because she knew my two granddaughters would cherish it more than her three grandsons.
I’ll never forget when she picked up acorns from my yard so her squirrels in her “oakless” neighborhood could have some acorns. She always find ways to give to those unfortunate, even when they are only squirrels.
Being generous is about giving of your time, your heart, and resources to your family, friends, and strangers, with no expectations. Paulette gets great satisfaction from giving, even when there may not be any hint of gratitude given in return; now that is a generous person.
Next time you are about to judge someone, stop and think like Paulette, “What can I do to make the situation better?” Paulette always lives her truth: to live with compassion, to give freely with her heart, with her time and with her resources. You don’t need millions to be generous, you just need compassion for others. Paulette is this week’s Caring Heart award winner.
Quote for the day…
“Money is but one venue for generosity. Kindness is an even more valuable currency.”
— Alan Cohen
Discussion question: What definition of “generous” do you live by? What can you do today to be generous?
Staying in Touch: Barbara Hirsh can be reached at info@LiveKinder.com I love hearing your kindness stories. Please sign-up for a weekly kindness message at www.LiveKinder.com or follow LiveKinder on Facebook!
