The theory of generosity

“You can get everything in life you want — if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” ~Zig Ziglar

Everyone talks about the spirit of generosity during the holiday season. The phrase “paying it forward” — giving to someone without expecting something in return — is practically a cliche now. But I’ve discovered over the years that whenever I’m kind or generous to others, my life magically improves, too.

Of course, it’s harder to be generous with our resources, time, or abilities if we don’t believe we have enough to share. Frugality is necessary for survival, at times, but stinginess grows from a “shortage mentality” — the belief that there’s never enough to go around. (In my most selfish and small-minded moments, I’ve neglected to give because I assumed others didn’t need my help; or I believed they hadn’t earned my generosity.)

Gifting doesn’t have to cost much. Time and effort have value. Even the smallest acts of generosity can add to our own happiness, strengthen relationships, and even improve our health and wellbeing. In other words, giving to others may look altruistic but it’s actually self-serving — in a good way.

Life isn’t a competition, after all. Can you imagine what the world would look like if we all looked out for each other? ~CL