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by Steve Brunkhorst
Did you know that there are gifts that will multiply your
happiness when you give them away? Here are
seven of those gifts.
Giving these gifts will allow you to share with others your most
unique treasure: your authentic self. Each gift will return to you
many times.
As you read about each of these gifts, think about ways that you
could share that gift with someone today.
1. Share appreciation
Tell someone how much you appreciate the faith they've shown in
you. Thank them sincerely for being part of your life. Tell them how
much they are needed.
Feeling appreciated is one of the most important needs that
people have. When you share with someone your appreciation and
gratitude, they will not forget you. Appreciation will return to you
many times.
2. Share time
Balance your time expenditures so you can spend time with the
people that you love. Support local organizations by sharing your
special talents. Volunteer time for projects that benefit others in
your community, country, and world.
When we slow down and observe our thoughts closely, we will
sometimes uncover gifts and talents we didn't know we had. Sharing
time and talents can result in discoveries that bring happiness
beyond measure.
3. Share knowledge and ideas
Tell someone about a great book that you read so they can benefit
from it too. Teach a new concept or idea that you've learned.
One of the best ways to strengthen new concepts in your mind is
to share them with others. The more often you share what you've
learned, the stronger that information will become in your memory.
Sharing knowledge also provides solutions to problems. The more
knowledge we share, the more knowledge we receive in return.
4. Share friendship
Acknowledge someone's strengths. Let them know that you are
willing to be there when they need you. Visit someone you haven't
seen for a long time. Telephone friends or relatives who live far
away. Introduce two friends who don't know each other.
Bringing one individual into another's life can result in
tremendous changes for both people, and for you. We succeed with the
help of others. People grow by growing together. If you'd like to
have many friends, then share friendship with others generously.
5. Share kindness
Perform a random act of kindness for someone: a smile,
compliment, or a favor just for fun. These will multiply and spread
very rapidly.
There is a powerful quote by Stephen Jay Gould who said,
"The center of human nature is rooted in ten thousand ordinary
acts of kindness that define our days." Kindness is priceless.
The love, kindnesses, and value we have given authentically to
others will be our remaining treasures at the end of life.
6. Share experience
Keep written or photo journals of your life: things you've done,
places you've traveled, things you've learned. Record successes and
failures. Share a happy memory. Also share the difficult times that
have helped you become stronger and wiser. When shared, the value of
these experiences multiplies.
Our unique experiences and perceptions of life are priceless.
Sharing experiences will build one of the strongest bonds with
others. Our descendants can learn and benefit from our lifetime
experiences for generations to come.
7. Share enthusiasm
If you are excited about a new success, tell someone. If you're
ecstatic about a new project, show your glow. Your enthusiasm will
inspire others to move forward with actions that bring rewarding
achievements.
Enthusiasm keeps us looking forward to the future. It brings many
of those exciting days that we can savor with gratitude. That kind
of glowing excitement for life is impossible to hide. It is
contagious and will quickly spread to others.
Think about this statement by Norman MacEwan: "Happiness is
not so much in having as sharing. We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give."
Sharing these gifts sends our thoughts on a far-reaching journey
where they will touch many lives and reconnect with our own. Would
you like to receive these same life-enhancing gifts again and again?
Begin multiplying your happiness by sharing one of these special
gifts with someone today!
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