The 5 W's of Giving
Do you believe in the adage that one must give, not only because you end up getting as much as you give, but because it is just the right thing to do. Do you believe that when you give you receive an intangible benefit. If giving is something you believe in for whatever reasons, read on, you have just answered the first W of Giving - Why.
Now consider - Who. Who should give? Anyone, everyone has something to give... the key is to understand what your gifts are.
What? What do you give? What do you have to give? Time, money, skill, talent, passion. What do you have most of? What does your world needs?
When? When do you give? This is a tough question. Today, we find ourselves busy with little time for our own interests let alone time for giving. So, when do we find time to give to others. Try giving when you have the least amount of time to give, or the least amount of money to give. Giving means so much more if it requires effort.
And finally, Where? Where do you give? There are so many appropriate recipients of our generosity. There is no right answer. Give where it feels right.
Three more ingredients for a prosperous life are:
- Decide to Give.
- Follow the 5 W's of Giving
- Be open to the fact that giving comes in many different forms
And now for How. How do we give? Give however you can. Don't forget that giving can be big or small. And, sometimes we just need to start small to get the ball rolling.
Recognize that deciding that you are going to give is the most difficult step. Once you know you are going to give, then follow the 5 W's. Decide what you have to give. Decide when you can give and what you are going to give. And finally, decide where you are going to direct your generosity.
Realize that the gifts you give in life are not always what you would expect. They may not be big. They may not seem like much. They may not be given to those you would expect. And, you may not even know all of the gifts that you give. Celebrate all the gifts you give and receive.
