How Practicing Generosity
Helps You Find Happiness

All life has ups and downs. However, whenever you offer something to someone out of sincere generosity, you can count on people saying "yes." That can give you a sense of harmony and fulfillment.

Try modeling generosity. Practice it. Make a habit of going out of your way to make someone else's life better. You don't have to give money. Just do something to help others.

Offer help. Be supportive. Volunteer your time and expertise. When you do something nice for someone, it lifts your spirits and makes you feel good. That's why practicing generosity is an integral part of your health.

Generosity: The Benefits

When we decide to give, that simple step makes us happier. Giving is pleasurable. It lifts us. And when we feel good inside, life takes on new meaning.

1. Giving increases happiness. Since generosity doesn't make the receiver unhappy, the giver also feels good. This act reinforces the connection between generosity and happiness.

Think about it: it is an exchange when you give something valuable to someone other than yourself. You get something of value in return.

Other benefits include:

2. Generous people are more satisfied with life. Giving gives us an inner sense of fulfillment and makes us feel that we can make a difference.

   ● When we give, we know we're working to address the needs of others. We can tell our act goes a long way to creating a better community.

Taking some time to think about what our donation is helping to build can make us feel satisfied. With all these benefits, you might want to start becoming more generous.

So, where can you start? Try these techniques:

1. Start small. Instead of making a significant gift to a charity, begin by doing something smaller. The act of doing something for others doesn't have to be big to be meaningful.

   ● For example, write a note of appreciation to someone at work or volunteer at a local community center.

   ● If you want to give money, you can start with a dollar. One dollar may not seem like much -- you might even feel embarrassed to offer such a meager amount -- but don't worry about that. Many charities give you the option to pay with a credit card.

   ● And the people who receive your donation will most likely never meet you. Remember, your goal is to start the process.

2. Donate based on something that fills you with passion. Everyone has a talent or passion. Some people might say that they have a natural talent for making art or music. Others might have expertise in building cars or repairing computers. Think about how you can transfer this skill to others

   ● Is there a charity in your area that needs volunteers? Is there a local senior center that needs someone to spend time with its elderly residents? Is there a local food bank that can use an extra set of hands?

   ● By donating your time or money based on what you love to do and how you can share it with others, you do what you love while helping others.

Are You Ready to
Take Generosity to the Next Level?

Most importantly, being generous is a Biblical principal, and thus deserves our full attention. "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Luke 6:38

The Bible also addresses the issue of our motive for giving.  Consider this directive:  

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  Matthew 6:1-4

Practicing generosity is a fantastic way to balance your own life and make a positive impact. It is an act of kindness that helps you find inner peace and happiness.

To begin your journey, try starting small. Do one thing at a time. You might be surprised by how easy it is. It all starts with setting your intention and being open to giving. Your generosity will grow as you practice sharing it with others

Please share your thoughts and any response you may have in the form below.

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