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Giving

By Bryan Golden

Two longtime friends, Ed and Ralph, were traveling by train on a business trip. Although it was a chilly morning when they departed, the weather became quite warm by late morning. Ralph opened the window next to their seat and lay his gloves on the small ledge below it. As he turned to reach his briefcase, Ralph knocked one of his gloves out the window.
Ed looked over as Ralph exclaimed “Oh no!” What Ed saw next really surprised him. Ralph immediately tossed his remaining glove out of the train. Puzzled, Ed asked, “Why did you do that?” Ralph laughed, “What am I going to do with just one glove? Whoever finds the pair can at least use them.”
Ed contemplated Ralph’s actions. “I never would have considered doing that. But it makes complete sense. Even though one glove is useless to me, I would have kept it,” thought Ed. He was struck by how much he had learned from witnessing such a simple thoughtful act.
How many of us hang onto things we can’t use but could be helpful to others? Like Ed, lots of people wouldn’t even think to throw their remaining glove out the window. They refuse to part with anything, even if it’s of no value to them.
A fundamental component of the law of attraction is that you attract what you project or give. Contrary to what many believe, hoarding isn’t the way to get what you need. Acting as if life is a competition, with finite rewards, is actually counterproductive.
People, who don’t understand this concept not only clutch onto whatever they have, they push others out of the way to accumulate it. As a result, they repel the very things they are trying to get. Even if they amass material possessions, they sacrifice happiness and peace of mind.
The attitude of these people permeates all of their actions. They will cut in line, they won’t hold open a door, they don’t say please and thank you, rarely smile, have little patience, and are rude and inconsiderate. Their attitude effects all they do. They are magnets for unappealing circumstances. As a result, they become entrenched in a negative outlook which is then validated by their experiences.
Conversely, those who are constantly thinking of others attract more than they need. Additionally, they have more satisfaction, joy, and delight than their recalcitrant counterparts. Even though the effects of the power of giving are so numerous, there are so many who are reluctant to incorporate it into their lives.
Initially, giving can feel awkward. You have been taught to guard what you have. You work so hard to get something and now you should give some of it away? Yes. However, giving takes many forms. Money, material possessions, time, and consideration are all components of generosity.
“You can change your life by changing your thinking,” is a constant theme throughout these columns. You may need to reevaluate your attitude about giving. A great way to do this is by becoming more generous.
Start with small acts. Keep an open mind. This does work. Smiling is a wonderful way to begin. Wipe off any scowl or frown you may be carrying around. Actively look for things you can do that will be of benefit to others.
You can target people you know as well as strangers. Do the unexpected. There are unlimited opportunities for giving. The results are truly astounding. Each life you touch creates a ripple effect.
Don’t concentrate on what you can get but rather how much you can give. You must give without expectation. When you do so, the more you send out, the more you will attract.
NOW AVAILABLE: “Dare to Live Without Limits,” the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at [email protected] or write him c/o this paper. 2026 Bryan Golden